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Police: Driver will not face charges after backing over, critically injuring sunbathing teen

Posted at 10:21 AM, Aug 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-08-09 23:41:17-04

SYRACUSE, Utah -- A 15-year-old girl is in critical condition after a family member backed up over her while she was sunbathing in the driveway Friday, according to Syracuse Police.

The incident happened at a home in the area of of 3000 West and 2700 South. Officer Erin Behm, spokeswoman for the Syracuse Police Department, said the teen was listening to music while wearing headphones and did not hear the vehicle start.

Syracuse City Police Department officials stated in a press release the vehicle was a Chevrolet pickup truck being driven by a family member. Officials said the teen does not usually sunbathe in the driveway, and there was no reason for the driver to expect the teen to be there. Behm said the teen was so low to the ground the driver couldn't see her.

"Always be aware, tragedies, accidents--unfortunately, they happen far too often," Behm said. "However, if you're in a big truck and you look behind you, you might not be able to see directly behind you, and I think that that's what happened here: It was just an accident."

The victim was taken by air to a nearby hospital, and as of noon Saturday she was listed as being in critical condition.

The press release stated: "The driver of the truck will not be facing charges. This is a very tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the girl and her family."

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