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Utah Woman Charged After Fatal Three-Car Crash Allegedly Linked to Phone Use
US News | October 21, 2026
A 44-year-old California woman has been charged with a felony after investigators allegedly discovered that she had accessed a pornography website on her mobile phone less than two minutes before a fatal three-vehicle crash in Utah.
The defendant, Christine Chao, of Rosemead, California, faces a second-degree felony charge of automobile homicide following the June 12, 2026, collision on Interstate 15 near Levan in Juab County. The allegations are contained in charging documents reported by Utah news outlets.
How the fatal collision happened
According to investigators, traffic on northbound Interstate 15 had slowed because of road construction when Chao's SUV struck the rear of another vehicle. The impact pushed that vehicle into a third car, sending all three vehicles off the highway.
A 66-year-old passenger, identified as Scott LaVar Lichfield of Fillmore, Utah, sustained a head injury in the collision. He was taken for medical treatment but later died from his injuries, according to reports citing the Utah Highway Patrol.
Phone investigation leads to charge
Following the crash, officers reportedly found no tire or brake marks indicating that Chao had attempted to slow down before the collision. According to the charging documents, she also told officers that she was responsible for the crash.
Investigators seized her phone and obtained a search warrant. The examination allegedly showed that she had accessed the website XVideos less than two minutes before the collision. The phone evidence is central to the allegation that distraction contributed to the fatal incident.
Victim remembered by his family
Lichfield's death left his family mourning a husband, father and grandfather. According to his obituary cited by KSL, he had celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary with his wife just one day before the crash.
He was survived by five children and was remembered for his close relationship with his grandchildren, his love of reading and playing games with them, and his enjoyment of dressing as Santa Claus to bring happiness to children.
What happens next?
Chao was charged with automobile homicide, a second-degree felony. A report by FOX 13 stated that her first court appearance was scheduled for November 17, 2026.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the charge should not be treated as a conviction. The proceedings will determine the legal responsibility arising from the crash.
The wider road-safety message
The case highlights the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, particularly on highways where traffic can slow unexpectedly because of roadworks or congestion. Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from reacting in time to avoid a collision.
Drivers should keep their attention on the road and avoid browsing websites, watching videos or engaging with other distracting content behind the wheel.
Factful24 takeaway: A few seconds of distraction can have devastating consequences. Road safety requires drivers to remain attentive, especially when approaching construction zones and slowing traffic.
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