The Roosevelt community is mourning the tragic loss of 12-year-old Lydia Love, who died on December 3 after being struck by a vehicle that ran a red light as she crossed a marked crosswalk on her scooter. The crash occurred around 3:55 p.m. at the intersection of 200 North and 200 East, according to the Roosevelt Police Department.

Lydia was crossing the street with a friend when the driver disregarded a red light and struck her in the designated crosswalk. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died while awaiting LifeFlight transport.

A Bright and Caring Child Remembered by Family and Community

Lydia, a resident of Roosevelt, was known for her kindness, joy, and love of helping others—especially children undergoing cancer treatment. Her mother, Sandra Chatwin, said on social media that her daughter “found so much joy” in serving others.

The tragedy comes just days before the third anniversary of the death of Lydia’s older sister, Jaydlen Schurz, who died from cancer in 2022 at age 15. The sisters had shared a special bond, and Lydia often honored Jaydlen through acts of service.

Driver Under Investigation; No Charges Yet Filed

Police confirmed that the driver—whose identity has not yet been released—ran a red light before striking Lydia. The investigation is ongoing, and as of Thursday morning, no charges have been announced. Roosevelt Police are working in coordination with the Utah Highway Patrol. Witnesses are asked to contact police at 435-722-2330.

Community Launches Toy Drive and Fundraisers in Honor of Lydia and Jaydlen

In the wake of the tragedy, community members have rallied around the Love family. A toy drive—organized by family friend Crystal Pittman—is underway to honor both Lydia and Jaydlen. The drive continues a tradition that began after Jaydlen’s passing, with donations going to children receiving cancer treatment at Primary Children’s Hospital.

Items must be new, unused, and unwrapped to protect immunocompromised patients. Suggested donations include toys, games, blankets, and other soft, comforting items. Supporters can also donate through Primary Children’s Amazon wish list and tag contributions in honor of both girls.

Donation drop-off locations include:

Roosevelt:

  • King’s Peak Credit Union

  • Farm Bureau Insurance

  • High Country Pizza and Deli

  • Dan’s Tire

  • Little Basin Bees daycare (two locations)

  • Sprouse Insurance

  • Tickle Me Pink

  • Techris Design

Vernal:

  • Hit The Roast Coffee Shop

  • Heritage Chevrolet

  • Dan’s Tire

  • Get This Party Started

  • Sprouse Insurance

Duchesne:

  • Sprouse Insurance

  • The Floating Petal

  • State Liquor Store

Donations will be accepted through December 19. A GoFundMe created for the family has raised more than $25,000 as of this writing.

A Community Overwhelmed by Grief — and Support

Chatwin expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love her family has received.

“We have been so incredibly blessed by our beautiful, incredibly generous community,” she wrote. “While one person was not doing what they should have, there is so much love for Lydia coming in so many forms I cannot take it all in.”

She added that Roosevelt has always been a community that shows up for its own, especially in times of hardship.

Candlelight Vigil Planned

A candlelight vigil honoring both Lydia and Jaydlen is planned for next Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Old Mill Park in Roosevelt, where friends, family, and neighbors are invited to gather in song, prayer, and remembrance.