31-03-2025
18-year-old Tooele Co. driver arrested in alleged DUI crash that killed 16-year-old
TOOELE, Utah () — An 18-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, accused of being behind the wheel in a DUI crash that killed his 16-year-old passenger.
Jaxon Douglas-David Wood was booked on one second-degree felony charge of automobile homicide as well as misdemeanor DUI, reckless driving, possession of drug and drug paraphernalia, alcohol-restricted driver, and consumption of alcohol by a minor.
According to Utah Higway Patrol, the crash happened shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, March 30. Deputies believe a single pickup truck had veered off the side of SR-36 near mile marker 30 and rolled.
Both Wood and the unidentified 16-year-old passenger were ejected from the truck in the crash. When deputies from Utah Highway Patrol arrived, Wood was reportedly standing nearby while a Tooele County Sheriff's Office deputy performed CPR on the unconscious 16-year-old victim. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by medical responders several minutes later.
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Investigators say they found open alcoholic containers among the crash debris as well as a THC vape pen and several nicotine products. Investigators also believe neither Wood nor the victim were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Wood allegedly admitted to Utah Highway Patrol deputies that he had been behind the wheel at the time of the crash. He reportedly had been driving home at speeds as high as 85 miles per hour from a bonfire party where he allegedly admitted to having had a couple of beers.
Utah Highway Patrol reported Wood had 'very red bloodshot eyes' and 'very slurred speech.' Wood also allegedly struggled to keep his balance and failed to perform several Field Sobriety Tests.
'Driving at high speeds in the dark on a two lane highway while drunk is reckless driving behavior. When individuals are inebriated their reaction time and perception of events is distorted and their ability to follow traffic rules is impaired,' A UHP deputy wrote in arresting documents. '[Wood's] choice to drive fast and impaired shows wanton disregard for the safety of not only himself and his passenger but also the motoring public.'
Court records show Wood has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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