Scott LaVar Lichfield had just celebrated 39 years of marriage with his wife. His family remembered him as a gentle father and grandfather who loved spending time with the people closest to him.
A day later, a crash on a Utah highway changed everything.
Scott, 66, was riding in the back seat of a car on Interstate 15 when another vehicle struck it from behind near a construction zone on June 12, 2026.
He suffered a serious head injury and later died.
Four months afterward, prosecutors charged a California woman with automobile homicide. Investigators say she had accessed a pornographic website on her phone less than two minutes before the collision.
A Highway Crash That Left a Family Grieving
The collision occurred on northbound I-15 near Levan in Utah's Juab County.
Traffic had slowed because of construction. Two vehicles were moving at reduced speed when a blue SUV driven by 44-year-old Christine Chao struck the rear vehicle, according to charging documents.
The impact pushed the white sedan into another SUV ahead of it.
All three vehicles then left the roadway.
Scott was sitting in the back seat of the sedan that was struck first. Emergency crews responded, and he was transported by medical helicopter to a hospital.
He later died from his injuries.
Police Say the Driver Had Accessed a Pornographic Website
The case drew national attention after prosecutors filed charges on October 20.
According to court documents reported by KSL, Chao told responding officers she was responsible for the crash.
Investigators also reported finding no brake marks on the highway that would suggest she had slowed before the collision.
Police seized her phone and obtained a warrant to examine its activity.
The search showed that a pornographic website had been accessed on the device less than two minutes before the crash.
That finding forms a major part of the state's case.
However, the publicly reported evidence does not establish exactly what Chao was looking at at the moment of impact. The allegation that phone use contributed to the collision must be evaluated through the legal process.
A Father Who Made Time for His Children and Grandchildren
For Scott's family, the crash was about far more than a police report.
He was a husband, father of five, and grandfather who loved making his family feel welcome.
His obituary described how he enjoyed reading stories, watching movies, playing chess, and building Lego sets with his grandchildren.
He also loved giving them hugs.
One family memory involved Scott's resemblance to Santa Claus. Children would sometimes stop him in public, wondering whether he was Santa.
He embraced the resemblance and even wore a red winter coat to keep the fun alive.
These were the small moments his loved ones remembered after his death.
He Had Just Celebrated His Wedding Anniversary
Scott and his wife had celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary on June 11, the day before the crash.
The milestone marked nearly four decades spent building a family and sharing their lives.
Their anniversary became one of the final memories before the tragedy.
His family later described him as a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and relative.
The loss left behind more than an empty seat at family gatherings. It meant future birthdays, holidays, and ordinary afternoons without someone who had been central to their lives.
He Was Also Known for Serving His Community
Scott was active in his church and served in several volunteer roles.
His family remembered his work as a Sunday school teacher, Scout leader, nursery leader, and financial clerk.
Those responsibilities reflected his willingness to give time to other people.
He especially valued his work as a financial clerk, serving in the position across several congregations.
His family recalled his commitment to the people around him and the friendships he formed through years of service.
What Charges Does Christine Chao Face?
Chao, 44, of Rosemead, California, was charged in Utah's 4th District Court with automobile homicide involving the use of a handheld device, a second-degree felony.
According to FOX 13 Utah, her initial court appearance is scheduled for November 17, 2026.
Local reporting also indicates that a summons was issued rather than an arrest warrant.
The criminal charge is an allegation. Chao has not been convicted, and the court must determine whether the evidence satisfies the elements of the offense.
A Reminder About the Consequences of Distracted Driving
The collision has raised fresh questions about the dangers of using mobile devices while driving.
Construction zones often require drivers to react quickly to slowing or stopped traffic.
Even a brief distraction can reduce the time available to brake or avoid a collision.
Investigators allege that Chao's phone activity and failure to slow contributed to this crash.
The court will examine those allegations.
For Scott's family, however, the consequences are already permanent.
Remembering Scott LaVar Lichfield
News reports have focused on the unusual allegations involving a phone and a pornographic website.
But those details should not overshadow the man who died.
Scott had spent decades building a family, serving his community, and making memories with his grandchildren.
Just one day before his death, he and his wife had celebrated another year together.
The headlines may remember what investigators found on a phone. Scott's family will remember the husband, father, and grandfather who never came home.
This report reflects information available as of October 21, 2026. The charges against Christine Chao are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Sources: KSL — October 20 charging documents and obituary details; FOX 13 Utah — crash investigation and court date; ABC4 report via AOL.