A pregnant mother of nine was killed after she was struck by a car while walking along the side of a road in Utah, and her newborn baby later died after an emergency delivery.
The tragedy happened shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday near 1808 E. Dairy Lane, just north of Moroni.
Utah Highway Patrol identified the woman as 34-year-old Rebeca Hafen.
Authorities said Hafen was walking along the shoulder of the road when she was hit.
Investigators cited sunlight and limited visibility as major contributing factors in the crash.
Hafen was rushed to a hospital with severe injuries but later died.
Doctors performed an emergency delivery in an effort to save her unborn baby.
The newborn was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit, where doctors and nurses worked to keep him alive.
Sadly, the baby later died, according to an update posted on a GoFundMe created for Hafen’s husband, Tyson, and their children.
“Today, our family received more heartbreaking news. Tyson’s sweet baby passed away,” the fundraiser update said.
The family said the medical team did everything possible to give the newborn a chance to survive.
Before the baby died, Tyson and the children were able to spend time with him, holding him and saying goodbye.
“In such a short amount of time, Tyson and the kids have lost both Rebecca and their new baby,” the fundraiser said. “It’s difficult to even put into words the amount of grief this family is carrying.”
The fundraiser also thanked people who donated, shared the page, reached out to the family or offered prayers and support.
“Rebecca and their sweet baby are together again,” the message concluded.
Police have not publicly identified the driver involved in the crash.
Authorities reportedly do not expect criminal charges unless investigators determine that speed played a role.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing.
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