GREEN RIVER, UTAH — The mayor of Green River, Ren Hatt, was killed Friday night in a devastating head-on collision caused by a semi-truck that veered into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 6, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.

^{Photo credit: Utah Department of Safety}

The fatal crash occurred around 9:40 p.m. on December 5 near mile marker 296, roughly eight miles west of Green River. DPS investigators say a 2021 Freightliner semi-truck was traveling westbound when, for reasons still unknown, it drifted across the center line into the eastbound lanes. The truck struck the front passenger side of a 2020 Hyundai Palisade driven by Hatt.

^{Photo credit: Utah Department of Safety}

According to ABC4, the collision forced the Hyundai off to the right shoulder of the westbound lanes, while the Freightliner returned to the westbound side of the highway. Hatt, 40, died at the scene. The semi-truck driver was uninjured.

^{Photo credit: City of Green River}

The City of Green River confirmed Hatt’s death in a heartbreaking public statement Saturday morning:
“Mayor Hatt loved this community deeply, and he served it with honesty, kindness, and unwavering commitment. We are grieving alongside his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Officials said impairment is not suspected, but the investigation remains ongoing as troopers work to determine why the truck drifted out of its lane.

Hatt, described as a dedicated public servant and beloved community member, is being mourned across the region.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.