The Payson High School community is grieving following the tragic loss of 15-year-old student Jewel Hunsaker, who was killed in a vehicle crash on I-80 near the Utah-Wyoming border on Thanksgiving Day. As ABC4 News reported, a social media post by the school mentioned, "Jewel was an incredible student at Payson High and was loved and appreciated for how she engaged teachers and students in such a positive way."
The circumstances of the accident, as detailed by Utah Highway Patrol, involved a single vehicle near mile marker 190 with Hunsaker and an 18-year-old who sustained moderate injuries. Adding to the heartbreak, the older teen involved in the accident has been identified as Hunsaker’s sister, according to information given by Gephardt Daily. A GoFundMe page has been established by the Hunsaker family to assist with funeral and burial costs, with a statement on the page describing Jewel as "a bright light and a source of beauty in the lives of everyone who knew her."
The service for Jewel Hunsaker is scheduled for Friday, December 5, at 11 a.m., as confirmed by posts on social media and a statement obtained by KUTV. The funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located in Orem, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. In an outpouring of community support, the funeral arrangements also include a livestream provided by Walker Memorials for those unable to attend in person.
The articles reporting on this event have emphasized the impact of Hunsaker's passing on the local community. Alongside her scholastic and personal achievements, it is clear she held a significant place in the hearts of those around her. The overwhelming response to the family's GoFundMe campaign, as mentioned by ABC4 News, highlights the community's effort to alleviate at least the financial aspect of the family’s grief during this challenging time.
