SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — A 16-year-old driver was killed Tuesday when he was hit by a car that likely ran a red light in Saratoga Springs.
The accident happened around 2 p.m. at Harvest Hills and Redwood Road.
Police say the teen was turning left when a driver headed south on Redwood allegedly drove through the red light and hit the boy's car.
The 16-year old was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency crews attempted to revive him. The 28-year-old driver of the other car was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
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The boy was identified later Tuesday evening as Westlake High School sophomore Ammon Blake, according to an email Principal Gary Twitchell wrote to parents.
"Each of us will react to Ammon’s death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other," Twitchell wrote. "I want you to know that our school community is here for students."
Twitchell said the school administration wanted to wait until Wednesday to make the notification, but decided to do so Tuesday night "because of social media blowing up" and "because some students have started congregating to mourn this loss."
He also encouraged parents to speak to their students and encourage them to share their feelings on the tragedy.
"It is extremely important that parents are aware of how their student is feeling," he said.
Twitchell added that counseling will be available Wednesday for students and staff.
"I am heartbroken for Ammon’s family and friends," wrote Julie King, an Alpine School District board member, in a Facebook post. "We grieve together as a community over the loss of Ammon. #westlakestrong"
Authorities say they received reports before the crash of a driver matching the description of the 28-year-old who was driving erratically and making rude hand gestures.
The family set up a Gofundme to help cover funeral costs and other expenses on Blake's behalf.
