A young couple died in a fireball crash in Utah after a learner driver who 'felt unsafe behind the wheel' drove the wrong way on a Salt Lake City Interstate.
Anneka Wilson, 17, and Leo Shepherd, 18, died after 21-year-old Jose Jimenez drove the wrong way down Interstate 15 while allegedly under the influence just before 2am on Saturday.
The young couple, who recently celebrated their three-year relationship, were on their way to Wilson's aunt's farm in Idaho for the remainder of Thanksgiving weekend, Wilson's cousin Ericka Wilson Campbell posted.
Wilson and Shepherd suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene after Jimenez’s gray Audi SQ5 slammed into the young couple’s vehicle.
Footage showed one vehicle erupted into flames after the devastating collision.
Jimenez suffered minor injuries and was arrested on two charges of automobile homicide, driving under the influence, wrong-way driving, as well as a violation of his learner's permit.
Court documents obtained by Fox 13 stated that Jimenez admitted to feeling unsafe behind the wheel of a car at the time.
Utah Highway Patrol Lieutenant Brian Peterson told the outlet that the southbound lanes of I-15 near the crash were closed for several hours and opened just before 10am.
Wilson and Shepherd suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene after Jimenez's gray Audi SQ5 slammed into the young couple's vehicle.
'I've been a state trooper for almost ten years now. We've been on several very bad scenes; this one was horrific,' Peterson said.
'It was one of the worst ones that I've personally seen.'
Peterson said that another wrong-way driver was reported around the same time just up the road from the fatal crash, but a trooper was able to stop the vehicle before it hit anyone.
'Don't drink and drive. That's the most basic, fundamental rule. Don't drink and drive. Whatever you do, just don't get behind the wheel,' Peterson added.
Wilson recently shared on Facebook that, after being accepted to at least four colleges, she had set her sights on attending Snow College and Utah Tech after earning scholarships.
On a GoFundMe created for both of their families, Wilson was described as a 'loving, caring soul whose warmth touched everyone she met.'
'She was known for her stubborn spirit, her zest for life, and her way of living every moment to its fullest. Her turquoise jewelry collection was iconic - she wore each piece with pride, joy, and her own unique style,' the fundraiser said.
'There are so many people who miss you, Anneka. We love you, and we will always remember your bright, unforgettable spirit.'
A passing witness videoed one of the vehicles involved in the crash erupting into flames.
Wilson was described as a 'loving, caring soul whose warmth touched everyone she met' and had recently accepted a place at Snow College and Utah Tech on scholarships.
Shantell Shepherd Hansen said: '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.'
The 17-year-old was said to have worked in an elder-care home and 'would send videos of herself laughing and smiling with the residents.'
Wilson's older brother, Hallister, said: 'Words truly can't explain the loss we are feeling. She was just a beautiful, young lady who wanted nothing more in her life than to help others. She loved being outdoors, riding horses.'
Hallister said on Facebook that 'Anneka was the best sister you could ask for and one of the best humans to be around.'
Wilson's family said on the fundraiser that Shepherd was 'the kind of person whose presence made everything feel lighter.'
'He had that big-hearted, teddy-bear kindness that wrapped around the people he loved. If he was teasing you, you knew you had a special place in his heart, that was his way of showing love and pulling you close without needing to say the words,' the fundraiser said.
'One of the purest parts of Leo was how deeply he loved being an uncle. He didn't just care about his nieces and nephews - he adored them. He lit up around them, played with them, protected them,and bragged about them like they were his own. They were a huge piece of his heart.'
Shepherd was described as a 'gentle, warm, and real' hard worker and family man.
His sister, Shantell Shepherd Hansen, said on Facebook: 'Today, our world shattered. Early this morning, we lost my brother Leo and his beautiful girlfriend Anneka in a tragic car accident. 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.'
Hansen said their families 'hearts are broken' and their 'lives will never be the same without them'
Hansen said her brother had a 'heart of gold' and 'loved fiercely.'
'It brings me the smallest bit of comfort knowing they left this world side by side, the same way they lived,' she added.
'Our family's hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same without them. But their love, their energy, their laughter, and their memories will live on in all of us forever.'
His older brother RJ Shepherd said in a statement to Fox 13: 'Leo is my little brother; I would give everything to see him one more time. Leo loved his family and loved Anneka. Leo always brought smiles and laughter; he was great with his nieces and nephews.
'Leo liked to go hunting, fishing and everything outdoors. You could always find Leo helping with the sheep or helping around mom and dad's house.
'Leo will forever be missed. It's hard for me and my family but the best thing we can do is forgive and hope that Leo's accident is a message to people that drink and drive. It's not worth the pain that you cause people.'