Tragedy in Springville: Travis McIntyre, a drunk driver, gets charged after killing pedestrian Matthew Daines in a crash: Continue Reading

 The city of Springville is in mourning following a tragic event in which a pedestrian, Matthew Daines, was killed while out for a walk with his spouse.

According to authorities, Travis McIntyre, 42, was the driver at the time of the collision and was above six times Utah's legal alcohol limit.

The Deathly Collisions

Officers from Springville responded to complaints of a pedestrian being struck close to 400 South Main Street on Wednesday night at around 6:39 p.m. Officers found a Chevrolet Silverado that had landed on the sidewalk when they arrived. McIntyre was still in the driver's seat, while 36-year-old Matthew Daines was pinned behind the front passenger panel beneath the car.

Officers hurried to take Daines away and started saving lives right away. Daines later passed away from his wounds at a nearby hospital in spite of their best attempts. Thanks to Matthew's last act of bravery, his wife, who had been strolling with him, survived the incident despite minor injuries and lacerations.

A Valuable Deed of Love

Witnesses and investigators claim that Matthew Daines became aware that he and his wife were being pursued by the Silverado. Taking the full weight of the impact himself, he made the snap choice to push her out of the truck's path.

"She is alive today because of him," stated Springville Police Department Officer Van Pelt. He prioritized her life before his own. He acted in a truly heroic manner.

Recalling the chaotic aftermath, witness Landon Owens said, "I saw people racing toward the truck." I realized then that someone had been struck. I was asked by another witness to prevent the driver from leaving the scene because he appeared to be fully intoxicated.

Indications of Impairment

It was soon established by investigators that McIntyre had been driving carelessly before the collision. According to witnesses, he had blocked a junction just a moment before, apparently not paying attention to his surroundings, and he did not move when the signal changed to green. Following its restart, McIntyre's truck veered out of its lane and even struck another car before killing Daines.

Officers saw his red, shiny eyes, his heavy alcohol stench, and his incapacity to stand or speak effectively when they approached him. His truck also contained open alcohol containers.

His severe level of intoxication was confirmed by field sobriety tests. His BAC on the intoxylizer test was 0.307, which is more than six times the 0.05 legal limit in Utah. THC and ethylglucuronide, a chemical indication of recent alcohol intake, were found in the urine after additional investigation. The results of the blood test are still pending.

Charges and Court Cases

McIntyre is currently being charged with a number of offenses, including DUI, automobile homicide, and crossing a highway divider. While the inquiry is ongoing, authorities have ordered that he be jailed without bail.

According to a statement from the police, "this was not only a horrible accident—it was absolutely preventable." "We will bring the full force of the law to bear on this case because driving under the influence still takes lives."

In mourning, family and community

After the tragedy, the Daines family issued the following heartfelt statement:

"Our sense of loss at our son's untimely and unexpected demise is beyond words. We promote no feeling of vengeance in our incredibly deep sadness. Matthew will live on in our memories for his sacrifice and devotion.

Friends, neighbors, and community members are in deep sorrow over the untimely death of a guy who was devoted to his family, unselfish, and loving. To commemorate Matthew's life and impact, vigils and get-togethers are being organized in Springville.

A Sobering Reminder

Urgent appeals for safe driving have been rekindled after the collision. Authorities are reminding the public that every decision made on the road has repercussions and are advising locals to never drive while intoxicated.

The community of Springville is left to deal with both admiration and grief as the investigation goes on—demanding accountability for Travis McIntyre, whose careless judgment terminated a life and permanently changed a family, and lamenting the death of Matthew Daines, whose last deed saved his wife.