Young Couple, 17 and 18, Tragically Die on Their Way to Celebrate Thanksgiving — Details

What was meant to be a holiday road trip for two Utah teens ended in disaster when they crossed paths with a driver headed the wrong way — now, a criminal investigation is underway.

A teenage couple, ages 17 and 18, were killed early Saturday morning on Interstate 15 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Authorities say the pair were driving to visit family for Thanksgiving when their vehicle was hit head-on by a suspected impaired driver, triggering a fatal fire.

The tragic incident occurred at approximately 1:53 a.m. on November 29, 2025, according to Utah's Department of Public Safety.

Wrong-Way Driver Slams Into Couple's Vehicle, Sparking Deadly Fire

According to the authorities, a gray Audi SQ5 entered I-15 driving the wrong way — southbound in the northbound lanes — via the 600 South off-ramp. The car collided with a black Nissan Rogue near 1900 South.

The Audi was driven by 21-year-old Jose Jimenez, who sustained minor injuries and was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.

After the collision, the Nissan Rogue caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames. Both occupants — a male driver, 18, and a female passenger, 17 — were pronounced dead at the scene.

FOX 13 News later identified the victims as Leo Shepherd and Anneka Wilson, a young couple who had been together for three years. They were on their way to Anneka's aunt's farm in Idaho to spend the remainder of the holiday weekend.

Jose was reportedly driving on a learner's permit at the time. Court documents reportedly reveal he admitted he did not feel safe driving. He now faces multiple charges, including automobile homicide, driving under the influence (DUI), wrong-way driving, and violating the conditions of his permit.

Tributes Reflect on the Lives of Anneka Wilson and Leo Shepherd

Anneka, a senior at Springville High School, was preparing for graduation and hoped to study radiology. She had recently been accepted to four colleges. Now, in the wake of her sudden passing, loved ones are remembering the vibrant young woman she was — and the future she never got to live.

According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her family, Anneka was known for her strong spirit and deep commitment to helping others. She worked at an elder-care home and was remembered for the joyful videos she sent of herself laughing with residents.

She loved spending time outdoors, especially with her dog Jax, and enjoyed old country western music and art. Her turquoise jewelry collection and cowgirl style were considered iconic among those who knew her.

"Words truly can't explain the loss we are feeling. She was just a beautiful, young lady who wanted nothing more in her life then to help others, she loved being outdoors, riding horses," her older brother, Hallister Wilson, said.

Hallister also shared the tragic news in a Facebook post, describing Anneka as the best sister he could have asked for — kind, compassionate, and full of love for everyone around her.

He said she had a gift for caring for others and made people feel seen and valued, whether she knew them or not. He added that she is deeply missed and always will be.

Also on the same platform, Leo's sister, Shantell Shepherd Hansen, said the family is devastated. She described Leo and Anneka as kind, loving, and full of light, adding that their memory would remain with those who knew them.

According to tributes posted on the same donation campaign website, Leo was remembered as a warm, kind-hearted young man whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around him.

He loved the simple things in life — hunting birds with his dad and brother, working on trucks, and helping on the family farm. His family said he was most at peace when outdoors or doing hands-on work that connected him to home.

One of Leo's greatest joys was being an uncle. He adored his nieces and nephews, played with them, protected them, and spoke about them with deep pride. He was known for his gentle humor and steadfast loyalty, the kind of presence that made people feel safe and seen.

While the Utah crash brought tragedy over Thanksgiving weekend, an earlier case in the Bronx raised alarm, as reported on September 21, when a man's claim of a roadside ambush quickly unraveled.

Franklin Batallas, 44, faced charges of murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon following the grisly death of Anthonella Contreras Linarez, 30, in a case that shocked a Bronx community and left a grieving family demanding answers.

A Twisted Tale That Fell Apart

The fatal incident occurred around 8 p.m. on September 15, 2025, near Park Drive and City Island Road in the Bronx. According to police, Batallas initially claimed the couple were en route to dinner on City Island when Linarez needed to use the bathroom, prompting them to pull over near Rodman's Neck.

That's when Batallas said their peaceful evening turned into a nightmare. He told investigators that two men on a moped suddenly appeared with knives, tried to rob Linarez, and began attacking her when she refused. They then reportedly stabbed her while her boyfriend ran off.

Batallas insisted he had returned to fend off the assailants, suffering a stab wound to his arm in the process. He then raced Linarez to New Rochelle Montefiore Hospital, where she was tragically pronounced dead.

Sources said she had suffered extensive stab wounds to her face, neck, and body. Batallas was treated for minor cuts to both arms and released shortly after.

No Moped, No Ambush, and No Attackers

But in a stunning twist, investigators said surveillance footage told a very different story. According to the NYPD, Department of Transportation cameras showed the couple driving to Seafood City at 6:15 p.m. — with no evidence of a moped following them, and no sign of any outside attackers.

When questioned again, Batallas allegedly doubled down — claiming the men had been tailing them and were dressed in "dark-colored hoodies." He claimed one attacker entered the vehicle and began stabbing Linarez in the face while Batallas stood outside.

Despite his claims, detectives said no evidence backed his story. Batallas was subsequently arraigned Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court and is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island. His attorney declined to comment at the time.

A Family's Heartbreak and Unanswered Questions

The couple had reportedly been together for three years and were planning to meet a friend the night of the killing. Loved ones said there were no warning signs — no fights, no tension.

"He was, to us, a brother-in-law well-loved," said Mayker Contreras, Linarez's grieving sibling. "This was an emotional shock. I don't know what to feel."

"My sister was a marvelous person. She loved everybody. She was my little girl," she added in Spanish. "She loved to travel — to the Dominican Republic and wherever she was able to go. Of course, her life was cut short."

Despite Batallas' explanation, the family said his story doesn't add up. "The only question I have for him is, 'What happened?'" asked the victim's sibling. "We'd like to know what happened. We want the truth of what happened. I'll tell you the truth, I don't trust what he says."

According to her LinkedIn profile, Linarez was a "passionate, detail-oriented BSN RN" experienced in acute rehab care and "med‑surg" coverage, describing herself as "ready to thrive and grow in diverse healthcare environments."

Tributes Pour in for a Life Cut Short

In the wake of her shocking death, tributes flooded social media, mourning the loss of a woman loved deeply by friends and family. One loved one wrote, "See you soon dear friend and sister from always and forever my mommy [sic]."

Another shared, "Thank you for all the time shared. I carry in my heart everything that you've given me. Your memory will live forever. Thank you for being part of my story and for leaving such a beautiful mark on my life. May you find peace in your eternal rest my baby girl. [...] Rest in peace my love, [sic]."

Linarez's death left her family and friends reeling, as they searched for answers in the wake of a tragedy that defied the loving image the couple once portrayed.

As the investigation continued, Batallas remained in custody without bail, while loved ones mourned the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness, ambition, and the lasting mark she left on those around her.