UHP reports that Harper was driving north in a 2008 black Nissan Altima. Joseph Cloward, also 22 from Manti, was in the passenger seat of the Nissan. The report states that at the same time a white 2008 Ford F-150 was traveling south-bound in the same area.

According to UHP the truck, driven by 71-year-old Robert Conover of Sterling “swerved to the left to avoid traffic that was stopped or slowed in the travel lane. The Nissan … could not avoid the F-150.” The impact caused the vehicles to impact in a “nearly head on” collision.

As a result of the collision, Harper was pinned inside the car and had to be extricated by first responders. He was transported to Gunnison Valley Hospital by ambulance and then to a trauma center by helicopter where he was pronounced dead a little past 6 p.m.

Conover sustained a broken leg and was transported to Gunnison Valley by ambulance while Cloward received a head injury and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle. According to the report Harper was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident while both Conover and Cloward were.