The Cache Valley community is absolutely reeling right now, grappling with a tragedy so sudden and painful it’s hard to wrap your mind around. What should have been a normal Saturday night turned into a devastating scene on South SR-165 in Providence when a two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two local teenagers. The victims, identified as 17-year-old CJ Fiefia of Avon and 14-year-old Xylie Hutchinson of Hyrum, were two bright lights taken from their families and friends far, far too soon. It’s a loss that has sent a shockwave through classrooms, sports teams, and neighborhoods, leaving an entire valley heartbroken.
The whole nightmare unfolded just after 7:00 PM on Saturday evening near 1815 South. According to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), a group of five teenagers—three boys and two girls—were all riding together in a Toyota Corolla. For reasons investigators are still pinning down, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The Corolla reportedly skidded across the road and into the oncoming southbound lane, where it was struck hard on the passenger side by a Toyota Sienna minivan. The impact was catastrophic, causing the smaller car to flip and roll before landing upside-down, leaving a horrific mess and an emotional scene for first responders.
The aftermath was pure chaos, with multiple emergency crews rushing to the site. Sadly, the scene was already one of profound loss. CJ Fiefia, who was trapped inside the crumpled vehicle, had to be extricated by rescue personnel, but was tragically pronounced dead on the scene. The UHP later reported that none of the teenagers in the Corolla were wearing seatbelts, a detail that adds an even deeper layer of pain to this unfolding story. Authorities are currently investigating speed as a major factor in what led to the driver losing control in the first place.
The fight wasn’t over for everyone, but the outcome was no less devastating. Xylie Hutchinson suffered severe head trauma and multiple critical injuries in the collision. She was rushed to a trauma center, where medical teams battled through the night to save her young life. Unfortunately, her injuries were too severe, and she passed away early Sunday morning. The thought of Xylie, known for her incredibly sweet nature, endless creativity, and a smile that could brighten any room, being gone is an unbearable reality for her loved ones and the countless people who adored her.
It’s important to remember this tragedy is still playing out in hospitals across the state. In addition to Xylie and CJ, three other teenagers who were in the Corolla remain in critical condition and are fighting for their lives in specialized trauma centers in Salt Lake and Ogden. Their families are facing an agonizing wait, praying for any sign of recovery. In contrast, the five occupants of the Toyota Sienna—which included two adults and three children—were fortunate enough to walk away with only minor injuries, a small mercy attributed to them all being properly restrained.
As the Utah Highway Patrol continues its detailed investigation into the crash’s precise circumstances, the rest of Cache Valley has naturally turned its attention to support and remembrance. Both CJ and Xylie were young people who brought joy and light to their respective schools and communities—CJ was described as an uplifting, positive presence by his teammates and friends, while Xylie was cherished for her kind and bright spirit. The loss of these two vibrant, budding lives has created a deep void that will be felt for years.
Right now, the community is doing what it does best: rallying. Vigils, prayer circles, and an outpouring of support have saturated social media and local gatherings as residents cling to each other and the memory of two beautiful teens taken too soon. As funeral arrangements are pending, the Fiefia and Hutchinson families are facing the most painful days of their lives, held up by the collective grief and love of a community that will never forget CJ and Xylie.
