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Two Teens Killed in 'Horrific' Wrong‑Way Head‑On Crash on I‑15; Driver Faces Charges

Two teenagers, 18-year-old Leo Shepherd and 17-year-old Anneka Wilson, were killed early on Nov. 29 when their Nissan was struck head-on by a car traveling the wrong way on Interstate 15 and subsequently caught fire. The alleged wrong-way driver, 21-year-old Jose Jimenez, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and now faces charges including automobile homicide. Family members mourned the couple online, and a GoFundMe has been set up to support the bereaved families.

01:55 AM, 12/01/2025Society
Two Teens Killed in 'Horrific' Wrong‑Way Head‑On Crash on I‑15; Driver Faces Charges

On Saturday, Nov. 29, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman were killed in a head-on collision on Interstate 15 when another vehicle reportedly entered the highway the wrong way and struck their car shortly after 3 a.m., authorities said.

Crash details

The victims were identified as Leo Shepherd, 18, and Anneka Wilson, 17. The couple were traveling to Idaho to spend Thanksgiving with family when a gray Audi traveling the wrong way collided with their black Nissan Rogue. The Nissan was reported to have become "fully engulfed in flames," and both teens were pronounced dead at the scene, according to a press release from the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Authorities say 21-year-old Jose Jimenez was driving the Audi. He suffered minor injuries, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and faces multiple charges including automobile homicide, driving under the influence, wrong-way driving and violation of his learner's permit. Court records indicate Jimenez told investigators he did not feel safe driving at the time of the crash.

Investigation and road closures

Utah Highway Patrol officers closed lanes on the interstate near the crash site for several hours while they investigated and cleared the scene. Lieutenant Brian Peterson, a state trooper who responded, described the collision as one of the most severe scenes he has encountered in his almost ten years of service.

"I've been a state trooper for almost ten years now. We've been on several very bad scenes; this one was horrific. It was one of the worst ones that I've personally seen," Lieutenant Brian Peterson said.

Family tributes and support

Family members and friends expressed shock and sorrow online. Shantell Shepherd Hansen, a relative of Leo Shepherd, posted a tribute remembering the couple's warmth and the joy they brought to others:

"There are no words big enough for this kind of heartbreak. Two souls who brought so much light, love, and laughter into our lives were taken far too soon. Leo had a heart of gold and loved fiercely. Anneka was pure warmth, beauty, and kindness. It brings me the smallest bit of comfort knowing they left this world side by side, the same way they lived."

A GoFundMe page has been created to help both families with funeral and related expenses as they cope with their loss.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Utah Highway Patrol.

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