Judge Orders Trial in 2022 Fatal Dump Truck Crash
A judge ordered a dump truck driver to stand trial for manslaughter in a 2022 collision that killed a woman and her unborn child.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Accidents
On August 15, 2022, a dump truck operated by Alpine Excavating crashed on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Jessica Minnesota and her unborn child. Third District Judge Patricia Kuendig recently ordered the driver, 37-year-old Jonathan Ryan Sargent, to stand trial for manslaughter charges.
Why it matters
The ruling moves the case toward a criminal trial after the judge determined there was sufficient evidence regarding the truck's operation during the fatal incident. Simultaneously, the court dismissed manslaughter charges against the company owner, Dalton Nathan Wheeler, citing a lack of probable cause.
The driver, Jonathan Ryan Sargent, faces two counts of manslaughter filed on October 1, 2025. Charges against the truck owner were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
The players
Jonathan Ryan Sargent
He is the 37-year-old driver of the dump truck involved in the fatal 2022 crash.
Patricia Kuendig
She is the Third District Judge overseeing the criminal proceedings for the fatal collision.
Dalton Nathan Wheeler
He is the 32-year-old owner of Alpine Excavating who had his charges dismissed.
Jessica Minnesota
She was the 36-year-old victim who died in the 2022 accident.
Alpine Excavating
This is the company that operated the dump truck involved in the collision.
The details
The truck was traveling at 52 mph when it lost gear engagement and the driver lost the ability to use service brakes. Before rolling onto its side, the driver attempted to steer the vehicle into the side of the mountain to avoid further impact.
Timeline
Nov. 2019: The last annual safety inspection was performed on the truck.
Aug. 15, 2022: The fatal crash occurred on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.
July 2024: A civil wrongful death lawsuit settled.
Oct. 1, 2025: Manslaughter charges were filed against the owner and driver.
Nov. 9, 2026: The driver is scheduled for an arraignment.
Legal Context
This case follows the specific legal standards established by the 2022 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road crash investigation. The court's decision marks a departure from initial expectations by distinguishing between the culpability of the driver and the owner.
The court's decision provides resolution to a long-standing investigation that impacted commuters and residents who utilize Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. The conclusion of the legal process helps address safety concerns regarding commercial vehicle operations in local mountain areas.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complexities of assigning criminal liability in commercial vehicle accidents. Drivers and business owners may face vastly different legal outcomes depending on the evidence presented regarding equipment maintenance and vehicle operation.
What happens next
Jonathan Ryan Sargent is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic-related legal proceedings, visit Salt Lake City Accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSL.
