LOGAN — A 31-year-old Montpelier, Idaho man has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash that killed three people and injured another in Logan Canyon 17 months ago. Kylan H. Romrell has been in the Cache County Jail since the crash March 29, 2023.
Romrell appeared Wednesday, Aug. 14, in Logan’s 1st District Court. He accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to four felony counts of negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death or serious bodily injury, and driving under the influence. As part of the deal, prosecutors dismissed three remaining charges.
Romrell stood before the judge wearing handcuffs and shackles, and spoke briefly during the 10 minute hearing. He told the court he understood the rights he was giving up and the possible penalties for pleading guilty.
According to prosecutors, when Utah Highway Patrol troopers arrived on the scene of the head-on crash in Logan Canyon, a mile east of Beaver Creek Lodge, they noticed Romrell showed signs of impairment. He had “extremely bloodshot eyes, seemed to be staggering, had slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol was emanating from his breath.”
Romrell told troopers he had not consumed any alcohol. He claimed that as he was driving the Ford Excursion through the canyon, he looked up and his airbag went off.
As emergency crews were treating the victims in the Kia Rio, Romrell reportedly became frustrated and began yelling and shouting. He was then taken into custody and later failed several sobriety tests. A breath test later showed he had an alcohol level of 0.216.
Inside the Ford, troopers located multiple open containers. Many beer cans unopened and one at least that was open and smashed and multiple bottles which were open. There was also a Ruger .243 rifle with a spent cartridge in the chamber.
Three passengers inside the Kia died as a result of the crash, including Jordan J. Erickson, 24, Dakota A. Mejia, 24, and Jericka J. Erickson, 17, all from Garden City. A fourth passenger, Bryson L. Calixto, 21, had multiple internal injuries and was flown to McKay Dee Hospital.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Cache County Deputy Attorney Griffin Hazard noted how Romrell was previously convicted of driving under the influence and had two convictions for consuming alcohol under 21 and once for possessing an open container of alcohol as a passenger.
Judge Brian Cannell scheduled a special sentencing hearing for Oct. 9, when it is expected some of the victim’s family members will speak.
Romrell remains in the Cache County Jail, being held without bail. He could face up to life in prison.