A tragic crash on Interstate 215 in Salt Lake City claimed the life of a woman Wednesday after her SUV veered off the road and collided with a tree. The Utah Highway Patrol confirmed that the incident occurred in the northbound lanes near 300 North, just after midnight.

According to troopers, it’s still unclear what caused the vehicle to leave the highway. After striking a tree along the roadside, the woman driving the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Photos from the crash site show extensive front-end damage to the SUV, which came to rest off the main roadway. The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) temporarily closed two right lanes in the area to investigate the scene. All lanes were reopened to traffic shortly after 3 p.m.

Investigators have not released the victim’s name pending family notification. Authorities said that weather conditions were clear at the time, and no other vehicles appeared to be involved.

Troopers are examining whether driver fatigue, distraction, or a possible medical emergency could have contributed to the crash.

The UHP is urging drivers to remain alert and avoid distractions when behind the wheel — even on short commutes. “It only takes a few seconds of inattention to cause a life-changing accident,” a UHP spokesperson said.

The crash marks another fatal incident on Utah highways this fall, part of a troubling trend that law enforcement agencies are working to curb through increased patrols and public safety campaigns.