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The Utah Highway Patrol has released the identity of the woman who tragically lost her life in a vehicle-pedestrian accident on Kearns Boulevard in Park City on Thursday morning. The victim, 55-year-old Catalina Alvarado Lopez, was struck by a truck while attempting to cross the road around 7:30 a.m. This unfortunate incident caused significant traffic disruptions on Kearns Boulevard, which remained closed for several hours following the crash.
According to a GoFundMe page established in her memory, Alvarado Lopez had lived in Park City for more than 20 years, having relocated there because the town's scenery reminded her of her native Mexico. The page describes her as a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a loving mother, survived by her two children.
The collision occurred near the intersection of Cooke Drive, an area lacking a designated pedestrian crossing. However, there are both a pedestrian tunnel and a crosswalk close by that connect to the school district campus across state Route 248. The absence of a marked crossing zone at the site of the accident raises concerns about pedestrian safety and infrastructure.
Authorities reported that the truck driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the police investigation. The Utah Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident to determine all contributing factors and assess any further safety measures that might be needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers pedestrians face, especially in areas where crossing zones are not clearly marked. The community mourns the loss of Catalina Alvarado Lopez, whose presence and contributions to her church and the local community will be deeply missed. As the investigation unfolds, there is a call for increased awareness and better infrastructure to safeguard pedestrians and prevent such heart-wrenching accidents.
Residents and local officials are reminded of the importance of road safety, both for drivers and pedestrians. The Utah Highway Patrol's ongoing investigation aims to bring clarity to the events leading up to this tragic accident and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the community in the future. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and comprehensive safety protocols on our roads.
