A 44-year-old woman caused a fatal crash on a Utah freeway shortly after accessing a pornographic website on her phone, according to reports from authorities. Christine Chao, who resides in Rosemead, California, was driving a blue Toyota Matrix on Interstate 15 south of Salt Lake City around 2 p.m. on June 12 when the incident occurred.
Investigators found that Chao had opened a popular adult site just moments before the accident, as revealed during police inquiries into her phone records. She has since been charged with automobile homicide, a serious second-degree felony.
The accident happened during a construction delay, where Chao struck a Mazda 3, which then collided with a Buick Enclave in front of it. Tragically, a passenger in the Mazda was declared critical upon arrival of authorities and later succumbed to injuries, according to court documents.
Notably, police discovered no skid marks at the scene to suggest that Chao had attempted to brake before the collision. In her statements to officers, she admitted responsibility for the crash.
A search warrant led to an examination of her phone, which confirmed she accessed the pornographic website less than two minutes before the incident. This detail further fueled the charges against her.
Chao was not taken into custody at the scene, as noted by a spokesperson for the Utah Highway Patrol. Her next court appearance is slated for November 17.
The victim of this tragic crash was identified as Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, who lived in Fillmore, Utah. His obituary paints a picture of a caring man who cherished his family. Lichfield had celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary just a day prior to the accident and is survived by five children.
His obituary reflects on his love for his grandchildren and his joy in playing Santa Claus to many children over the years. He was known for his friendly demeanor, with many calling him a dear friend.
