Family of teenager killed by allegedly careless driver urges caution

SOUTH JORDAN — While most families prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and barbecues, this week is filled with sadness for two families in Utah.

On July 6, 2022, her sons were struck and dragged by what police say was an inattentive driver at 11400 S. 2400 West. One of the boys, nine-year-old Brayden Long, died. The other, Anthony Sandoval, faces a life of surgeries.

Utah family asks drivers to be careful after their son is fatally hit

That day changed both families’ lives forever. They now hope they can prevent it from happening to anyone else. That’s why they’re hanging banners with the accident site, Brayden’s picture and a powerful message.

“I’m definitely emotional,” said Jamie Beach, Anthony’s mother.

The families had been friends for years and the boys took every opportunity to get together. They loved to ride dirt bikes. Anthony said Brayden was “fun and loud,” which he misses a lot.

Family and friends remember boy killed in South Jordan collision

Clark Monk, Brayden’s father, said the family cannot celebrate birthdays or holidays for Brayden, so this seemed like an appropriate way to remember him.

“This is our way of continuing to honor Brayden,” Monk said. “We are simply putting up signs to remind the public of what happened to our son two years ago.”

Clark Monk and Jamie Beach hang the poster. (KSL TV)

“I woke up in the hospital,” Anthony said.

His legs are covered in scars, and those are the only ones you can see from the outside. After being dragged 180 feet under an SUV, he will likely have to undergo numerous surgeries for the rest of his life.

“I am forever grateful that my son is here,” Beach said.

The scars on Anthony Sandoval’s legs after he was dragged across the street. (KSL TV)

For Beach, the loss of Brayden is a great pain. She loved him too; he was her son’s best friend.

“I think about Brayden every day,” she said. “I am heartbroken.”

The message on the banners along 114000 South is clear: Do not allow yourself to be distracted while driving.

“We are still fighting,” Monk said.

The poster features a picture of Brayden Long. (KSL TV)

They hope that drivers will see their son’s face on the banners and stay focused behind the wheel.

“It only takes a split second to take someone’s life,” Jamie said.

The driver in this case, Shantil Woods Garn, will go to trial in October. Both families hope to win a tougher penalty for distracted driving, similar to how this year’s legislative session changed penalties for driving aggression.