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SALT LAKE CITY -- Tragedy struck the University of Utah football team Thursday night just after their opening game win against Montana State.
Utah teammate Ron Tongaonevai's wife Janelle was killed in a car accident Thursday night in West Valley City around 10:30 p.m., just about 90 minutes after the Utes beat Montana State in the season opener 27- 10.
A Jeep heading west hit her car in the intersection of 4800 West and 3200 South, according to police. The 38-year-old male driver of the Jeep was also killed.
"Our hearts go out to Ron and families and friends on both sides of the marriage for the tragic loss of his wife Janelle," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "This is a devastating loss for everyone involved in our program. Our players and staff are grieving for Ron and our top priority is to give him our support."
Another woman in a third car was taken to an area hospital in serious condition after the Jeep also impacted her vehicle. Police are still working on a toxicology report for the driver of the Jeep. It is unknown whether he obeyed a red light traffic signal at the intersection.
Tongaonevai, a junior defensive lineman from West Valley City, and Janelle were married in the summer of 2010.
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Story written with contributions from [Pat Reavy](<mailto: preavy@ksl.com>) and the ksl.com news team.
