Tragic auto accident claims the lives of two Monticello women

Two Monticello women were killed on August 20 in a violent accident at the main intersection in Monticello. Alice Rogers, age 68 and Nereece Johnson, age 83, were killed when the vehicle they were in was struck by a car driven by Teresa Perkins, age 47 of Dove Creek, at the intersection of highways 191 and 491.

Rogers was killed instantly and Johnson died a short time later at the San Juan Hospital.

Law enforcement officials state that Perkins ran a red light and entered the intersection traveling more than 60 miles per hour. The Monticello women were turning left when they were broadsided by Perkins.

Minutes before the accident, at approximately 12:30 p.m., officials started receiving calls about an out-of-control driver heading recklessly toward Monticello on Highway 491.

A private vehicle and a state trooper were run off the road by the vehicle about two miles east of town. At the time, the vehicle was traveling more than 100 miles per hour on the wrong side of the road. “The driver was oblivious to everything around her,” stated the trooper.

After being run off the road, the trooper turned around in an attempt to catch up and arrived at the scene within a minute of the accident. Several witnesses at the scene supposed that the driver was fleeing from the trooper, but the high speeds began long before law enforcement became involved.

A number of vehicles were forced off the side of the road during the incident and at least one semi trailer was clipped by the vehicle. Utah Highway Patrol asks that any witnesses of the reckless driving or accident to call 435-587-2000.

Perkins was combative and bit the thumb of one of the rescuers at the scene of the accident. She was transported via life flight to St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, CO, were she is reportedly in critical condition in a medically-induced coma. Officials state that family members suggest that Perkins suffers from possible mental illness.

A large number of volunteers did their best to assist at the scene, offering help and condolences to the victims’ families. Rogers and Johnson were wearing seatbelts. Perkins was not wearing a seatbelt.

The victims are two longtime residents of the area, with a large number of family and friends. Funeral services for Johnson were Monday, August 25. Services for Rogers were Tuesday, August 26.