‘It’s not worth your life’: Family of teen crash victim speak on road safety

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The families of teenagers killed while driving spoke out about their loss and driving safety at an event today.

In 2024, there were 18 teenagers killed on Utah roads in motor vehicle crashes, according to the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).

In an effort to increase teen driving safety, UDOT, Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) held a memorial event where families were able to share personal stories of losing their teenagers in fatal accidents last year.

One of the families shared the experience of losing their daughter in a devastating car accident and encouraged teenagers to avoid drunk driving.

Family of Jaxxlyn Cowley

Jaxxlyn Michelle Cowley died on July 27, 2024, after being injured in an automobile accident. She was a month away from turning 17. Her adoptive parents spoke about her life and legacy at this event.

“She wanted to try everything. She was a natural with horses and taught herself and one of our horses to barrel race,” said Wendy Cowley, Jaxxlyn’s adoptive mom. “Her favorite pastime was hanging out with friends and talking on the phone. She was very caring and always worried about others and their welfare.”

According to Wendy, Jaxxlyn was in a vehicle with some others when the driver began to speed up, reaching speeds of 112 mph. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed, flipping the vehicle.

The vehicle caught fire, and Jaxx was trapped inside the vehicle. It was later determined that the driver, a 34-year-old male, had a blood-alcohol level of .137.

“As her parents, we can only imagine Jax feeling the heat of the fire, the fear, the pain, the desperation, and feeling of helplessness and the horror of knowing that she was not going to make it out,” Wendy said.

Wendy Cowley pleaded with others to be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“The crash wasn’t intentional, but definitely could’ve been avoided. If you drink, don’t drive,” She said, “if everyone you are with has been drinking, stay put. Don’t get into the car with someone who has been drinking, even if they tell you, ‘Oh, I’m just fine, I can drive.’ Call someone.”

“For other teens, please think before getting into a car. It may feel awkward; you may feel pressure from those around you. Even if you think you’ll miss out on something, it’s not worth your life,” Cowley added, “That choice can make all the difference. Jax’s decision to get into that car was probably only a split-second, but the result was devastating.”

She also encouraged parents to make it clear that their kids should call for a ride home before ever getting into a vehicle with a drunk driver.