A tragic accident in Springville, Utah, has left a young bride without her husband only weeks after their marriage. Police say 31-year-old Matthew Daines died a hero when he pushed his wife out of the path of a drunk driver’s truck, sacrificing himself to save her life.
The Fatal Incident
On Wednesday night around 8:40 p.m., Daines and his wife were walking along 40 East 400 South when a Chevrolet Silverado pulling a trailer suddenly veered off the road. Behind the wheel, according to police, was 47-year-old Travis McIntyre, who was heavily intoxicated.
Seeing the truck speeding toward them, Daines shoved his wife out of harm’s way, taking the full impact of the vehicle himself. Officers and paramedics rushed to help, but despite emergency efforts, he later died in the hospital from his severe injuries.
Driver Charged With DUI and Homicide
Investigators reported that McIntyre’s blood alcohol level was more than six times the legal limit. He was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple charges, including:
Vehicular homicide
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Additional traffic violations
Police confirmed that the wife, who has not been publicly identified, was unharmed thanks to her husband’s selfless actions.
Family’s Heartfelt Response
In a statement shared by Springville Police on Facebook, the Daines family expressed both their heartbreak and their faith:
“No words can adequately express our sense of loss at the sudden and unexpected death of our son Matthew. The event that took him from us resulted from human error, but does not undermine the power and love of the Almighty, in whose wisdom we choose to trust.”
The family also asked for privacy while they grieve and urged against feelings of retribution.
Remembering Matthew Daines
Marriage records show the couple had been wed just weeks earlier, on July 19. Friends and loved ones flooded social media with tributes, including one man who described himself as Daines’ “wrestling brother,” posting heartfelt messages and memories.
What was meant to be the beginning of a lifelong journey for Matthew and his wife turned into an unimaginable tragedy. His final act of love and bravery ensured his wife survived, but it left a family, friends, and a community mourning his loss. The case is also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
