Owen Thomsen Obituary, Death News – A tragic crash in Riverton on Thursday morning claimed the life of a 20-year-old e-bike rider after he was struck by a utility truck that investigators believe ran a red light. Riverton police have identified the victim as Owen Thomsen, a young man whose sudden death has left the community mourning.
The collision occurred shortly before 6 a.m. at the busy intersection of 1300 West and 12600 South. According to investigators, the utility truck was traveling westbound when it allegedly ignored a red traffic signal and entered the intersection. At that moment, Thomsen, who was riding his e-bike, was crossing through and was struck with significant force.
Police say the impact propelled Thomsen more than 180 feet from the point of collision, a distance that underscores the severity of the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly and provided medical aid before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, Thomsen later died from his injuries.
Investigators believe speed played a role in the crash, in addition to the red-light violation. They are working to determine exactly how fast the utility truck was traveling at the time of the collision and whether other factors, such as driver distraction or impairment, may have been involved. The truck’s driver and a passenger remained at the scene after the crash and cooperated with authorities. So far, no arrests have been made, and officials have not confirmed whether any charges will be filed.
The incident has raised safety concerns among Riverton residents, especially those who commute through the intersection where the crash happened. The area sees regular traffic from both vehicles and cyclists, making it a point of interest for traffic enforcement and potential safety improvements.
As part of their investigation, police are reviewing traffic camera footage, speaking with witnesses, and examining the utility truck for any mechanical issues. They also plan to conduct a full accident reconstruction to better understand the sequence of events that led to Thomsen’s death.
Owen Thomsen’s passing has left family, friends, and community members grieving. Social media posts from those who knew him have expressed shock, sadness, and calls for justice. Many have emphasized the need for drivers to be more attentive and cautious, particularly at intersections where cyclists and pedestrians may be present.
Riverton police are urging anyone with additional information about the crash to contact them, noting that even small details could help in completing their investigation. They have stressed that the goal is not only to determine accountability in this case but also to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For now, the investigation remains open, and the community awaits answers while remembering a young man whose life was cut short. Police have said they will release updates as more information becomes available, including whether charges will be filed against the driver of the utility truck.
