A fatal Utah crash has been linked to a moment of distracted driving with disturbing consequences.
California driver Christine Chao was watching pornography on her phone when she caused a deadly collision in Utah, according to police.
Chao, 44, was charged Tuesday with automobile homicide in connection with the June 12 crash, TMZ reported. Traffic on I-15 had slowed to a near standstill because of construction when her SUV struck one vehicle, sending it into another car ahead.
“Two vehicles were traveling at a slower speed when a vehicle driven by the defendant, Christine Chao, struck the rearmost vehicle, causing it to crash into the vehicle ahead of it,” charging documents reviewed by KSL state.
The Rosemead woman reportedly told officers she was responsible. Investigators examining her phone found that she had accessed a pornographic website “less than two minutes before the crash.”
According to ABC4, Chao was viewing the site when her blue SUV slammed into a white sedan. The sedan then hit an SUV in front of it, sending all three vehicles off the roadway.
Scott LaVar Lichfield, 66, was seated in the back of one of the vehicles and suffered a fatal head injury.
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Lichfield was remembered by his family as a devoted husband and grandfather.
“It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our sweet Husband, Dad, Papa (Pop Pop), Uncle, Cousin, Nephew,” his obituary states.
“He was one very loved gentle soul.”
The obituary also described him as a Sunday school teacher and finance professional.
“Scott served faithfully in many callings as a Sunday School Teacher to a couple of crowds of boys and a lone girl. He loved those kids,” the tribute said.
“Nursery leader, Elders Quorum Teacher, Scout Leader (a calling that he completely loved with all his heart), and Financial Clerk. This calling was his complete heart. He loved serving among all these good men. He served as a financial clerk in three different wards.”
Officers also reported finding no skid marks at the scene, suggesting Chao had not braked before hitting the traffic ahead.