Iron County, Utah – In a heart-wrenching incident that has shaken the local community, 17-year-old KayLee Joan Hunter was fatally shot while driving her vehicle late Friday night, according to reports from Channel 2 NOW. Iron County Sheriff's investigators are now reaching out to the public for assistance in unraveling the events that led to this tragic loss.
The incident unfolded at approximately 10:42 p.m. when dispatchers received distress calls reporting gunfire directed at a moving vehicle. Responding to the call, law enforcement and emergency services arrived at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West to find Hunter in her red pickup truck. Despite immediate medical intervention, Hunter could not be saved and passed away at the scene before she could be transported to Cedar City Hospital.
Preliminary findings suggest that Hunter was engaged in a high-speed chase involving an unidentified assailant. The chase reportedly covered several miles, ending when the assailant's vehicle maneuvered alongside Hunter's, and shots were fired directly at her. The impact of the gunfire caused Hunter to lose control of her vehicle, which then veered off the road, breaking through a vinyl fence and stopping roughly 100 feet from the intersection.
The Sheriff’s Office, under the guidance of Lt. Dave Mitchell, is actively seeking community assistance to piece together the sequence of events. They are particularly interested in locating any witnesses who might have seen a small red pickup truck being tailed by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway between 1600 North and Midvalley Road around the time of the incident. Furthermore, there is a call for anyone who might have observed these vehicles traveling westward on Midvalley Road in the direction of Three Peaks Campground.
The appeal extends to local residents and businesses who might possess surveillance footage that could capture crucial details of the chase or the vehicles involved. Lt. Mitchell expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the young woman who lost her life during this tragic act of violence."
In their quest for justice, the Iron County Sheriff's Office has made available several contact points for information submission. They can be reached directly at (435) 867-7500, while Cedar Dispatch can be contacted at (435) 586-9445 for non-emergency reports. The authorities are dedicated to a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for this senseless act are held accountable.
This tragic event has not only left a void in the lives of those who knew KayLee Joan Hunter but has also instilled a sense of urgency within the community to come forward with any information that might lead to the resolution of this case. The Sheriff's Office's commitment to justice for Hunter and her family underscores the community's collective resolve to combat such acts of violence, ensuring safety and peace within Iron County.
