Green River, Utah (December 5, 2025) — Authorities have confirmed that Ren Hatt, the 40-year-old mayor of Green River, was killed Friday night in a head-on collision with a semi-truck on U.S. Route 6. The crash occurred around 9:40 p.m., roughly eight miles outside the city.
Incident Details: According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Hatt was driving eastbound toward Green River when a westbound Freightliner semi-truck drifted across the center line into oncoming traffic. The semi struck Hatt’s vehicle head-on, impacting the front passenger side.
After the collision, the semi returned to the westbound lanes, while Hatt’s vehicle came to rest on the right side of the eastbound roadway. Hatt died at the scene. The semi-truck driver was uninjured.
City officials confirmed Hatt’s identity Saturday morning, describing him as a deeply committed public servant who had just been re-elected to his second term with overwhelming support.
Investigation: The crash remains under investigation by DPS and the Highway Patrol’s specialized reconstruction teams. Investigators are working to determine why the semi-truck veered into oncoming traffic. They will analyze tire marks, lane positioning, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions to piece together the sequence of events.
In head-on collisions involving commercial trucks, investigators typically assess driver fatigue, distraction, and potential mechanical issues, such as steering or brake failure. Although impairment is not currently suspected, toxicology screenings and vehicle inspections are routine steps in investigating fatal crashes.
Reconstruction teams may also review dashcam footage, obtain electronic data from the semi-truck’s onboard systems, and investigate whether lighting, visibility, or roadway design contributed to the truck’s drift. For a community left grieving the loss of its mayor, a clear and accurate account of how the crash occurred is essential.
Legal Considerations: Under Utah law, all drivers, especially commercial truck operators, must maintain their lane and exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm. When a truck crosses into opposing traffic, it raises immediate concerns about negligence, whether due to distraction, fatigue, improper speed for roadway conditions, or a preventable mechanical issue.
For the family of Mayor Hatt, the loss extends far beyond the tragic facts of the collision. They are grieving a husband, father, and community leader whose life was dedicated to public service. A wrongful death claim may allow his family to pursue accountability and compensation for funeral expenses, emotional suffering, and the long-term financial and relational impact of his death. No amount of legal recovery can replace the steady leadership and compassion Hatt brought to Green River, but it can help support his family as they endure this unimaginable loss.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and community members mourning Mayor Ren Hatt, whose service and spirit will be deeply missed.
Source: KUTV