On Wednesday March 24, 2010, 16-year-old Wayne Julien Torrie died at the University of Utah Hospital from the injuries he sustained when his vehicle was involved in single car rollover accident the night before. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, Mel and Raeghn Torrie, for their tragic and sudden loss.
What Caused this Fatal Accident?
While the Utah Highway Patrol is still investigating the accident, UHP Sgt. Trotta confirmed to Herald Journal reporters that the teenager was traveling over 70 mph when he abruptly turned his vehicle on 2200 South and 4700 West which caused the vehicle to roll four to five times. Wayne Julien Torrie was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
Weber State Sheriff’s office LT. Lonnie Eskelson confirmed that the teen’s mother requested that the Weber Police Department find the teenager. Lt. Eskelson stresses that the teen was not suspected of any criminal wrongdoing at the time of the accident. However, questions remain unanswered about why Wayne Torrie sped off after the Weber County Sheriff’s deputy located him, turned on his flashing lights and attempted to pull the teenager over.
Rollover Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report released in December of 2009, rollover accidents account for a high majority of vehicle occupant ejections and fatalities. In fatal crashes from 2003 to 2007, only 2% of passenger vehicle occupants who were restrained were ejected from their vehicle, while 35% of unrestrained occupants were ejected. Speed also plays a major factor. The percentage of occupants ejected is twice as high (around 23%) when the speed traveled was 60 mph or higher.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and to everyone involved in this terrible accident.