February 3, 2009

Danial Cole Morawetz, 19, died in the accident after the Ford Explorer in which he was riding went off Interstate 15 near mile post 42, according to a Utah Highway Patrol press release.

UHP spokesman Sgt. Jeff Nigbur said the vehicle was driven by Morawetz's brother Matthew, 18, who was transported with serious injuries to Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City, along with Daial Morawetz and two juvenile passengers.

Danial Morawetz was riding in the right rear passenger seat, according to the press release, when the southbound vehicle drifted off the freeway to the left, then corrected back to the right, traveling off the highway and into the dirt.

The driver then over-corrected to the left, causing the vehicle to roll multiple times and land on its side facing east, according to the press release.

Danial Morawetz was later declared dead at Valley View Medical Center as a result of his injuries.

Nigbur confirmed that charges are pending following the discovery of marijuana in the vehicle.

"With somebody dying in the crash, obviously that raises the investigation to another level," Nigbur said. "So we're going to go through the 5th District Court, is how that will work."

Nigbur said officers were on the scene of the accident, Wednesday, seeking evidence more readily available during daylight hours.

"Once we're done with that we'll send it off to the prosecutors, who will decide if there will be any charges," he said.

The accident was not believed to be a result of excessive speed, according to the press release, and all four males in the vehicle were believed to have been wearing their seatbelts.




Cole Morawetz passed away Tuesday the 3rd day of February 2009. For the past 19 years Cole has blessed our lives. The compassion & strength of his character was only to be out-measured by the honesty & love in his soul. Cole spent his younger years growing up in Northern Utah. The last years were spent in Southern Utah, where he was blessed with many wonderful friends with whom he enjoyed spending time with and enjoying life to the fullest. Cole had many happy times out hiking, fishing, paint balling, camping, roasting marshmellows and of course snow boarding.
Cole is survived by his Father & Mother (Kirk & Teree Morawetz) his older sister (Jasey Morawetz) his two younger brothers (Matt & Trevor Morawetz) his Grandpa & Grandma (Fritz & Gayle Morawetz) his Grandpa & Grandma (Dan & Thyra Wilson) his Niece & Nephew Tyler & Ember Stewart and many other Aunts, Uncles and cousins whom he loved very much.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday the 7th day of February 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hurricane Valley Mortuary, 140 N. Main St., Hurricane, UT. There will be a viewing on Friday the 6th day of February from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday the 7th day of February, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services, both at the Mortuary. Interment will take place in the La Verkin Cemetery.