OREM, Utah, Sept. 9, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Officials have identified a man killed in a crash early Tuesday morning on northbound Interstate 15 near Orem.
The deceased is Kevin Lee Adams, 63, from Springville, said a statement from Utah Highway Patrol.
Adams, who was alone in a Chevy truck, steered through the gore area for northbound exit 272 off-ramp, “but lost control and hit the concrete barrier on the right shoulder of the ramp,” a previous UHP statement said.
“The driver of the truck was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected in the collision.”
The truck continued down the barrier for several hundred feet before coming to a stop in the emergency lane, the statement said.
“The adult male driver sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene,” the UHP statement added. “Intermittent lane closures were in place during the investigation and cleanup of the scene.”
The accident happened at about 5:53 a.m. The crash closed a lane of traffic for about three hours, causing heavy delays during the morning commute.
Kevin Lee Adams
5 December 1957 to 7 September 2021
Kevin Lee Adams was born on December 5, 1957 in Provo, Utah, as the second son of Thomas Eldon and Josephine Verbanatz Adams. Kevin devoted his life to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerri Lee Hansen Adams. They celebrated 26 years together in January of 2021. Kevin is also survived by his three sisters, Linda Brienholt, Susan Hunter (Carl Willis), Debbie Adams (Jeff Miller), as well as his sons Jeffrey Worth Adams & Nicholas Kopp Latner and children from previous marriage: Michelle Khuni, Robert Carter, Paul Carter, and Andrew Carter. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother, Terry Eldon Adams, and Dan Breinholt, brother-in-law, and many other dear family members.
Kevin was a hard-working family man with many hobbies and interests, especially fishing. He studied welding at Utah Trade Tech, many years before it would become UVU. He was a highly accomplished journeyman welder, with many unique skills, abilities, and certifications, including deep understanding of metallurgy, highly technical welding techniques, equipment, and technology. He served many employers, including Mountain States Steel, Geneva Steel, and, most recently, Schuff Steel in Lindon.
Kevin wore out his life and his body in the service of his family. It is fitting that he passed in a tragic single-vehicle incident on I-15 in Orem on his way to work, just like his dear brother Terry passed, on his way to work on I-15. Terry’s death was a heavy burden on Kevin and we are happy to know they are reunited.
It has been said that Kevin was blessed with the tender heart of his dear, angel mother Jo and the intense strength, grit, and humor of his father, Tom. Kevin was highly intelligent, humble, and wise. Kevin’s wit and sense of humor won the hearts of many friends and created many cherished memories. Since Tom’s passing on August 5, 1999, Kevin especially devoted himself to supporting his three sisters. His love and advice will be missed!
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 25 at the Mt. Timpanogos Park Bowery (near the mouth of Provo Canyon) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.