Man, 66, D!es in Three-Vehicle Crash As Driver Faces Automobile Homicide Charge

A 44-year-old woman from California has reportedly been charged with automobile homicide following a fatal road accident in Utah, after investigators allegedly discovered that she had accessed an adult website on her phone less than two minutes before the crash.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Christine Chao was charged on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, over the incident, which occurred on June 12 along Interstate 15, where road construction had significantly slowed traffic.

Charging documents reportedly stated that Chao’s SUV struck the rear of a vehicle moving slowly through the construction area, forcing it into another vehicle ahead. The collision caused all three vehicles to leave the roadway.

Investigators allegedly discovered that Chao had visited a pornographic website shortly before the crash while examining her phone as part of the investigation.

Reports also indicated that Chao told responding officers she was responsible for the collision. The circumstances surrounding her phone activity are expected to form part of the case against her.

The crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Scott LaVar Lichfield, who was reportedly sitting in the back seat of one of the vehicles when he sustained a fatal head injury.

Lichfield was remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and relative whose death had left loved ones heartbroken.

His obituary described him as a gentle and deeply loved person, paying tribute to the affection he received from family members and those who knew him.

The obituary also highlighted his service as a Sunday school teacher, noting that he devoted time to teaching children and developed a strong affection for them. In addition to his religious service, Lichfield worked in the finance profession.

The fatal incident has drawn attention to the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the risks associated with using a mobile phone while behind the wheel. Authorities continue to pursue the case against Chao over the crash that resulted in Lichfield’s death.