Authorities identify victim in fatal Kearns Blvd. crash

Catalina Alvarado Lopez with her family. Photo: Courtesy of Alex Reynoso and Yetzza Sanchez

PARK CITY, Utah – The Park City community is grieving the loss of Catalina Alvarado Lopez, 55, a longtime resident and devoted mother who passed away following a pedestrian-vehicle crash on Wednesday morning in front of Park City High School. Authorities confirmed Alavarado Lopez’s identity this morning.

According to Utah Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. on December 19, when Alvarado Lopez was struck by the driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck while crossing Kearns Boulevard (SR 248) near Cooke Drive. She was initially transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition before being airlifted to a hospital in the Salt Lake Valley, where she was later pronounced deceased.

According to a GoFundMe page created in her Honor, Alvarado Lopez had been a pillar of Park City’s community for over two decades. She chose to make her home in the mountain town because it reminded her of her native Michoacán, Mexico, and was particularly drawn to Park City’s four distinct seasons and close-knit community atmosphere, which helped her create a warm, welcoming home for her two children, son Alex Reynoso and daughter Yetzza Sanchez, now young adults.

Alvarado Lopez was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she attended weekly services. Her dedication to her family and commitment to preserving her Mexican heritage were defining aspects of her character, as she worked tirelessly to create opportunities for her children while maintaining strong connections to her cultural roots.

The GoFundMe tribute describes Alvarado Lopez as a selfless, hardworking woman whose life centered around her children’s well-being and future stating, “This fund will also help honor Catalina’s legacy by ensuring her children are supported in their journey forward and can make a mother’s dream come true for her children.”

The GoFundMe page titled “Honor Catalina’s Memory: Support Her Family,” established by Anna Frachou, has already raised over $94,000 to support funeral expenses and provide assistance to her children. The Park City Community Foundation is also accepting non-monetary gifts during regular business hours for the family.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with law enforcement noting that the driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with authorities.

Fatal vehicle-pedestrian crash in front of Park City High School closes SR 248