2 Teens Dead, 3 in Critical Condition After Deadly Car Crash, Community Is ‘Deeply Heartbroken’

Two teenagers were killed and three others were critically injured in a serious car crash on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Cache County, Utah.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), the collision happened just after 7 p.m. on SR-165 when a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Sienna crashed into each other, local outlets KUTV, Fox 13 and KSL-TV reported. Investigators say the driver of the Corolla lost control, crossed all lanes to the left into oncoming traffic and hit the Sienna. The Corolla rolled, ejecting three of the teens inside. Those in the Sienna suffered only minor injuries.

The teenagers in the Corolla were identified as Laulea (CJ) Fiefia, Xylie Hutchinson, Braxton Miller, Kaycin Nielsen and Thalia Linares.

Fiefia, 17, died at the scene from his injuries. Hutchinson, 14, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. As of Monday, Nov. 24, the three remaining teens were still in critical condition, Fox 13 reported.

Utah Highway Patrol trooper Justin Zilles said investigators believe speed played a role in the crash, and that none of the five teenagers had been wearing seatbelts, according to KUTV.

Each teen now has a GoFundMe page set up to help their families with unexpected expenses.

Fiefia is remembered on his fundraiser page as “a hardworking and ambitious 17-year-old who always put his family first.” The description says he balanced “school, work, and sports to help provide for his family” and alleges that he was pinned under the vehicle during the crash.

Hutchinson’s GoFundMe page says she was thrown from the car and suffered severe head trauma, along with multiple breaks and fractures in all of her limbs. She ultimately died from a brain hemorrhage after losing blood flow and brain activity.

“Xylie was an incredible force on the ice with her hockey teams. She was a fierce defender of her teammates and an amazing friend off the ice,” the page reads. “She will be missed beyond words.”

The three surviving teens remain hospitalized.

Miller, a junior at Mountain Crest High School, is described as stable but still in critical condition. According to his GoFundMe page, he was ejected from the car and suffered serious injuries, “including a broken cheekbone, three broken ribs on his back, five broken ribs on the front, and he had to undergo emergency surgery on his spleen.”

“The road to recovery will be long, but I know Braxton’s strength and determination will help him pull through,” the page continues. “He’s always been there for his friends and community, and now it’s our turn to be there for him.”

Nielsen is also listed as stable but in critical condition following surgery on his crushed pelvis. His fundraiser notes that “he has been responsive as his meds have worn off, but he has a long road ahead of him.”

Thalia underwent emergency surgery to treat internal bleeding, a collapsed lung and multiple pelvic injuries. Her sister, Alexandra Linares, shared on Facebook that Thalia later had a second surgery for spinal injuries and, on Monday, Nov. 24, a third surgery on her pelvis. She also sustained a fractured jaw and additional fractures elsewhere.

“Thalia is such a fighter, and we love her so much,” Alexandra wrote. “Anyone who knows her knows how she spreads kindness everywhere she goes. She is the bubbly, sweet girl everyone loves. She has a long recovery ahead, but with all of our’s and everyone’s support, we hope to help carry her through it.” A GoFundMe page has been created to assist with Thalia’s medical bills.

All five teenagers either currently attend or previously attended schools within the Cache County School District. The district released a statement, reported by Fox 13, saying that counseling services have been made available to students and staff.

“We are deeply heartbroken by this tragic accident, and our entire community is in mourning. Our full attention is dedicated to supporting our students and families,” the statement said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and all who knew and cared for them during this unimaginably difficult time.”