Ford Taurus that rear-ended a truck hauling hay bales in Richmond, Jan. 27, 2024. (Photo: Utah Department of Public Safety)
LOGAN — Officials have released the identities of the man who was killed in Friday’s two-vehicle crash in Richmond, along with the other driver. The accident occurred at 6:37 a.m., Jan. 26, along US-91.
Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cade Brenchely said Myles D. Byers was driving a Ford Taurus southbound along US-91, when he rear-ended a trailer that was being pulled by a southbound truck. The 34-year-old Franklin, Idaho man was not wearing a seat belt, and sustained critical head and internal injuries.
The driver of the truck, Ryan G. Merrill, was travelling in the inside lane after having just turned onto US-91 at 9800 North, by North Cache Middle School. The 43-year-old Benson man told troopers he had just made a wide turn onto the highway and was beginning to merge into the outside lane when he was struck from behind by the Taurus.
Paramedics arrived on the scene and began treating Byers. He was transported by ambulance to Logan Regional Hospital but died while en-route.
Troopers are looking at whether Byers was speeding or may have been distracted and didn’t see the truck.
There were no other occupants in either the Taurus or the truck. No other vehicles were involved.
Brenchley said the farm truck was only going around 15 mph, with its emergency lights flashing, when the crash occurred. It was still dark at the time but the roads were clear.
Merrill also was not wearing a seat belt but was not injured in the crash.
According to his Facebook page, Byers was born in Bountiful and attended Utah State University. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Funeral services are still being arranged.
Traffic along US-91 was blocked for several hours as troopers investigated the crash.