DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah — A 12-year-old girl was killed after she was struck by a vehicle in Roosevelt while walking in a crosswalk on Wednesday.
The Roosevelt City Police Department said the girl was crossing 200 East at 200 North with a friend just before 4 p.m. when she was struck by the southbound vehicle.
Police said the vehicle's driver ran through a red light before hitting the girl.
The unidentified victim was transported to the Uintah Basin Medical Center in Roosevelt and later died from her injuries while waiting to be airlifted to another hospital.
An investigation involving the Roosevelt City Police Department and Utah Highway Patrol is currently underway, with its findings to be submitted to the Duchesne County Attorney's Office.
The girl's death is the fifth fatal auto-pedestrian accident in Utah since November 23.
"Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family during this tragic time," the police department said.
The family has released the following statement in full:
The family of 12-year-old Lydia Love is mourning her tragic passing following an accident on Highway 40 the evening of December 3, 2025. Lydia was a bright and tenderhearted young girl whose playful spirit touched everyone around her. Her loss comes just days before the third anniversary of her beloved sister, Jaydlen Schurz, who courageously fought cancer until her passing on December 7, 2022.
The pain of losing both daughters has brought unimaginable heartbreak to the family. In the midst of their sorrow, they have been deeply moved by the compassion, prayers, and unwavering support of friends, neighbors, and the entire Uintah Basin community. The love and kindness shown have given them strength to keep moving forward one moment at a time.
In honor of Lydia and Jaydlen, their devoted mother, Sandra Chatwin, has asked the community to help bring comfort and joy to children facing illness this Christmas through donations to Primary Children’s Hospital. The family invites everyone to contribute new and unused toys, games, blankets, or soft, warm gifts. To ensure hospital safety, all items must be unwrapped, unused, and in original packaging. Please tag each gift “In Honor of Jaydlen and Lydia.”
Donation Drop-Off Locations:
Roosevelt: King’s Peak Credit Union, Farm Bureau Insurance, High Country Pizza and Deli, Little Basin Bees Daycare (209 N 100 E and 145 N State St), Sprouse Insurance Agency, Tickle Me Pink, and Techris Design.
Vernal: Hit The Roast Coffee Shop (22 W Main), Heritage Chevrolet, and Sprouse Insurance.
Duchesne: Sprouse Insurance.
Donations will be collected through December 19th, with additional drop-off locations announced as more local businesses choose to participate.
The community is also invited to a candlelight vigil in loving memory of both Lydia and Jaydlen, to be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday at Old Mill Park, located behind High Country Pizza. Guests are encouraged to join in prayer, remembrance, and song to honor the light both girls brought into the world. Hot cocoa will be provided free of charge both inside High Country Pizza and at tables in the park. Candles will be available for the first 200 guests, and attendees are asked to bring their own if possible.
For those wishing to support the family directly, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist with unexpected expenses during this profoundly difficult time:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-lydias-family-in-their-loss [gofundme.com].
Family Statement of Gratitude
“Our hearts are shattered beyond words. Losing our sweet Lydia, so soon after saying goodbye to Jaydlen, has left us in unimaginable pain. Yet through our grief, we have felt the arms of this community around us — holding us up, praying for us, and giving us love when we need it most. We are so grateful for the Roosevelt City Police and Fire Departments and the Uintah Basin Medical Center staff for their rapid response and tireless efforts to save our sweet daughter. We especially want to thank Detective Clint Robinson with the Roosevelt City Police Department and the Duchesne County Victim Advocates Office for their compassion and care in making sure those affected are supported through this tragedy.”
“I also want to express how deeply thankful I am for Mike Haviland, whose love, strength, and steady presence have held our family together through this heartbreak. His constant support and quiet faith have been a light to me and our children during our hardest moments. His heart for our family and this community reflects the kind of love that heals.”
“Words will never be enough to express our gratitude for the outpouring of kindness and compassion from this incredible community. The prayers, meals, messages, and countless acts of service have reminded us that we are not alone — and that love truly endures even through unimaginable loss.”
The family extends their love to the Uintah Basin and is profoundly thankful to call such a caring and compassionate community their home.
