A woman changing a flat tire on the shoulder of westbound I-80 in Parleys Canyon was struck and killed late Friday night by a driver who authorities say had a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit. Taylor Breanne Giles, 36, of Sandy, died in the crash near mile marker 131, and the driver was taken into custody on suspicion of automobile homicide and DUI.
The Utah Highway Patrol said Giles was changing a tire on her Subaru Forester on the right shoulder when a Nissan Altima driven by Peter Joseph Hoffelmeyer struck her, according to KSL.com. The crash happened around 11:50 p.m. near mile marker 131 on westbound I-80, as reported by ABC4. Investigators said Hoffelmeyer's vehicle left its lane before crashing into the disabled car parked on the shoulder, according to a booking affidavit cited by KSL.
Breath Test Showed Nearly Triple the Legal Limit
A breath test measured Hoffelmeyer's blood-alcohol level at 0.14%, which KSL's report described as nearly three times Utah's legal limit. The affidavit stated that Hoffelmeyer told investigators he had four mixed drinks before driving and that his last drink was about an hour before he got behind the wheel. A driver who stopped to help at the scene told troopers that Hoffelmeyer appeared to be under the influence, the station reported.
Per KUTV, investigators reported that Hoffelmeyer had an odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath and red, glossy and bloodshot eyes. The station also reported that he displayed six out of six clues during a field sobriety test administered at the hospital, where he and a passenger in his car were both taken with injuries described as unknown. Hoffelmeyer was 48 years old, according to KUTV's reporting, though KSL's report listed his age as 47 — a discrepancy that remains unresolved between the two outlets.
Booking and Charging Status Unclear
KSL reported that Hoffelmeyer was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of automobile homicide, DUI and failing to stay in a lane. ABC4, however, reported that he had not yet been formally charged as of its report. Booking for investigation did not mean formal charges had been filed.
No further details on Giles's identity beyond her age and hometown of Sandy were included in available reporting. The crash remains under investigation, and it was not immediately clear whether additional findings from the Utah Highway Patrol would be released.
