Driver and Passenger Charged in Fatal 107 MPH Crash Near West Jordan Mortuary

Driver and Passenger Charged in Fatal 107 MPH Crash Near West Jordan Mortuary
(Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.)

WEST JORDAN, Utah Authorities have filed charges against two men involved in a deadly high-speed collision on Redwood Road last November. The crash claimed the life of a 66-year-old woman who was leaving a funeral service for her mother.

The Incident According to court documents, the crash occurred on November 18, 2025. Officers from the West Jordan Police Department responded to the scene at 6670 South Redwood Road, near the Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery.

Investigators determined that the victim, identified as Lisa McGeary, was exiting the mortuary parking lot in an Acura MDX when her vehicle was struck by a Tesla. Data retrieved from the Tesla’s Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) revealed the vehicle was traveling at 107 mph just 1.4 seconds before the crash. The speed limit in that area is 40 mph. Despite braking, the Tesla struck McGeary’s vehicle at 82 mph.

McGeary was extricated from her vehicle by medical responders but ultimately succumbed to blunt force injuries.

The Suspects and Charges The driver of the Tesla, Emmanuel Flores-Hernandez, 30, of Riverton, has been charged with:

Manslaughter (Second-degree felony)

Offering an alcoholic product to a minor (Class A misdemeanor)

Flores-Hernandez is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail without bail.

The front-seat passenger, Donald Jay Jr Braaten, 20, faces multiple charges, including:

Theft of a firearm or operable motor vehicle

Prohibited dangerous weapon conduct

Possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia

Possession/consumption of alcohol by a minor

A warrant has been issued for Braaten, who has yet to be arrested. A third occupant in the back seat was not charged.

Investigation Details At the scene, Flores-Hernandez allegedly told officers, "I don't answer questions." While he mentioned using THC for nerve damage, a blood test revealed no intoxicants in his system at the time of the crash.

However, a search of the vehicle and the suspects uncovered:

Firearms: Two guns belonged to the driver. A third gun, found in Braaten’s possession, had been reported stolen during a vehicle theft in West Valley City in July 2025.

Alcohol and Drugs: A case of beer was found in the car, though occupants claimed it was from a party the previous day. Police also located three THC vapes on Braaten’s person.

Ongoing Investigation: Potential Street Racing West Jordan Police previously indicated they believe the Tesla may have been racing a red sports car possibly a Ford Mustang or Dodge Challenger at the time of the collision. Authorities are still seeking information regarding that second vehicle.