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Loved ones mourn after young adults killed in crash during police chase in Roy

Posted at 5:37 PM, Jun 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-30 23:21:19-04

ROY, Utah – Family and friends are mourning after two people were killed in a crash during a police chase in Roy early Thursday, and a teenage girl is in custody.

Madison Haan, 20 of West Point, and Tyler Christianson, 19 of Ogden, were both killed as a result of the collision, which occurred shortly after midnight.

Liz Wylder, Christianson's aunt, said her heart sunk when she heard the news.

"What can we do? Bad choices ended two lives today, two precious lives," she said.

Wylder said their family is struggling to cope with the loss.

"Just over 19 years ago I was cutting his umbilical cord, rejoicing with his mom as he came into the world, now here I was today helping her make plans to bury him," she said.

Officer Matt Gwynn of Roy PD also acknowledged the emotional toll the case has taken.

"It’s always tough to respond to these types of scenes, especially in a community like ours: we're a bedroom community, and even though we have accidents quite frequently, it's very rare that they ever become fatal,” he said.

Wylder said Christianson was loved very much, and she said she urges everyone to make sure their loved ones know how they feel.

"Always let people know you love them, you care about them, you're thinking of them," she said. "You never know when the last time is you're going to see them... always let them know you love them."

Supporters have scheduled a memorial and balloon release for the victims. That event will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at Roy North Park, 2200 West 5900 South. Participants are asked to bring balloons in the colors white, blue, pink and black.

Haan’s family released this statement regarding the crash:

“Today our family lost our beautiful blue eyed girl with a heart of gold. She had big ambitions, loved music, enjoyed going to Bear Lake with her grandparents, and was a kind and loving soul. She accomplished a lot in her 20 years but now the world will never know the good she could have accomplished because she was taken from us too soon. We are grateful for the 20 years we had with her and thankful for the outpour of love and prayers for our families as we process this new reality for us, a world without her.

As we mourn for Madi we also see and feel many people mourning with us. We also mourn the loss of her friend Tyler who lost his life in the accident and for his family and their loss. We are sorry for your loss. In our sorrow, in time, we will find forgiveness for the driver that caused this senseless act that forever changed many lives. Our hearts also go out to her family.

We love you Madi – and until we meet again in Heaven we will miss you dearly.”

Loved ones have set up fundraising accounts to help both families with expenses, click the respective links below for details.

You Caring page for Tyler Christianson

GoFundMe page for Madi Haan.