Utah
Gun believed to be used in Utah road rage homicide found, police say
HIDEOUT, Utah (ABC4) — Deputies with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office say they have recovered the gun believed to be used to kill a 61-year-old man in a road rage incident near the Jordanelle Reservoir about two months ago.
Patrick L. Hayes was found dead on the morning of Sept. 26 under what authorities called “suspicious circumstances.” Hayes was reportedly found near the Ross Creek Trailhead outside of his car on the shoulder of the freeway.
Based on the ongoing investigation, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said Hayes appeared to have been involved in a road rage incident. Detectives believe Hayes may have left his car, approached another vehicle with a metal baton and pocket knife in hand and “aggressively called out the other driver.”
“Ultimately, the driver of the second vehicle appears to have shot and killed Mr. Hayes,” the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said in an update to the investigation. “At this time, we are analyzing evidence as to whether Mr. Hayes was attempting to enter the vehicle.”
While authorities have recovered the gun believed to be used, investigators did not disclose where the gun was found.
Investigators with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said they have submitted further evidence to the State Crime Lab for analysis. Investigators are reportedly investigating all possible crimes and considering all defenses related to Hayes’ death, including homicide and the possibility of self-defense.
“Importantly, our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Hayes. They have been cooperative, kind, and helpful throughout the investigation,” the Wasatch County Sherrif’s Office said.
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office did not provide any further information, saying they would provide another update once the results of the evidence analysis is available.
Utah
Utah Jazz vs Portland Trail Blazers Summer League recap and final score
The Utah Jazz won their final summer league game against the Portland Trail Blazers 83-79. It was a fun game that came down to the wire, with a few Jazz players showing promise that could help the team.
The player who surprisingly didn’t help as much as you’d hope was Blake Hinson, who shot just 1/9 from three. Hinson was a sharpshooter for the Jazz last season, and it’s too bad that he couldn’t show that shooting stroke in the summer league. It’s likely not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see that shooting continue in the summer league. It does make you wonder why all the players who played for Utah last season, or will be getting regular minutes next year, didn’t shoot well in Las Vegas. Is that a trend? Or is it just a coincidence? It makes you wonder if the Jazz have been running hard practices, or if the players are tired from enjoying their time in Las Vegas? There’s no way to really know, but it’s interesting.
Utah’s strongest performer, in terms of plus-minus, was Bez Mbeng. He was a team-leading +14 and, even though he didn’t shoot the ball well either, his defense and intensity really shows on the floor. In this one, Mbeng had 4 steals and handled the ball for a lot of the game. He was also one of the top players in minutes with 20 in this one. I personally really like Mbeng and I’m rooting for him to make the team. I do think he can be a defensive-focused do-it-all player who could really contribute if he keeps improving.
Justin Harmon scored the ball well, leading the team in scoring with a team-leading 21 points. He had 6 free throws in this one and was a positive contributor overall. Harmon could be a nice addition to the training camp roster and, if he can show out, maybe he can earn himself a roster spot. He’s worth watching going forward at the very least.
And with that, the summer league is now over, and we now enter a long summer that will lead into one of the most exciting eras of Jazz basketball I can remember. It will be led by the best prospect in Jazz history to actually suit up for the Utah Jazz, and I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar wearing the purple and blue.
Utah
Here’s who will lead Utah Valley University as its next president
Jon Anderson will be charged with moving the Orem school forward following the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on campus last year.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Incoming UVU President Jon Anderson poses for a photo with his family after an event announcing his selection at Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Utah
Beaver County residents set up thousands of sandbags ahead of flashfloods
BEAVER COUNTY, Utah — A massive community effort is underway as volunteers and Beaver County crews distribute thousands of sandbags to protect homes from the potential path of floodwaters.
After the Cottonwood Fires, residents have been waiting for weeks for relief to come in the form of rain, though officials now warn it may come all at once with an increased risk of flooding and debris flow.
Emergency Service Director Les Whitney believes that the fire has left plenty of debris to bring trouble for residents.
“We got a lot of water. We’re bringing debris with it, so tree branches, tree limbs, logs, lots of different size firewood, and that’s all in the creeks. We’re worried about that plugging up our bridges and stuff, so we have heavy equipment and excavators located in strategic places so that we can keep those bridges open,” said Whitney.
An estimated 140 homes and condominiums were spared from the flames, but remain in the paths of floodwaters.
Residents can also pick up sandbags at the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office or at the Beaver County Rodeo Fairgrounds.
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