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PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

September 16, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

SLCPD Now Lead Agency in Deadly Crash Involving UTA Train

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department has become the investigative agency in charge of a deadly crash involving a passenger car and Utah Transit Authority (UTA) train.

This investigation started at 7:49 a.m. on September 14, 2022, when SLC911 received information about a car that crashed into a UTA train near 700 South West Temple Street.

UTA Police initially responded and requested more help from SLCPD officers to block traffic.

When officers arrived, they met with Gold Cross and the Salt Lake City Fire Department and learned a 28-year-old man, later identified as Jalen Neal, had critical injuries. Lifesaving efforts were given to Mr. Neal, but he died on scene.

Initially, UTA assumed control of this investigation. However, after the death, and in consultation with UTA, UTA requested the assistance of the Salt Lake City Police Department and its Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team.

Based on preliminary information, the driver of a Chevrolet Bolt crashed into the UTA train as it crossed 700 South.

The impact killed Mr. Neal, a rear passenger inside the Bolt.

The driver of the Bolt is cooperating with the investigation. At the time of the crash, the driver was acting as a ride-share driver.

The driver’s name is not being released at this time. No charges have been filed, no citations have been issued and no arrests made.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

The Crash Analysis Reconstruction (CAR) Team and SLCPD Crime Lab technicians responded to the scene.

The CAR Team is a multi-jurisdictional crash team that investigates crashes involving serious physical injuries or death. Members of the CAR Team receive specialized training in collision examination, speed analysis, vehicle dynamics, occupant kinematics, scene photography, surveying equipment, crash scene mapping, evidence collection and computer aided drawing programs.

The CAR Team includes law enforcement from the Salt Lake City Police Department and several other Salt Lake Valley law enforcement agencies.

This crash marks the 22nd deadly traffic-related incident in Salt Lake City for 2022.

No photos are available for release and all initial media inquiries on this case were handled by UTA.

Any future updates, if appropriate to the investigation, will be provided by the SLCPD either through a formal press release or social media update.

No further information is being released. Neither the PIO nor on-duty Watch Commander
is available for interviews.

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