On the evening of Saturday, November 25, 2025, the lives of two young teenagers, Leo Shepherd and Anneka Wilson, were tragically cut short in a horrific highway crash on Interstate 15 in Salt Lake County, Utah. The accident, caused by a wrong-way driver who was reportedly drunk and behind the wheel with a learner’s permit, left the teen couple engulfed in flames, resulting in their untimely deaths.
Jose Angel Torres Jimenez, 21, was arrested at the scene and charged with automobile homicide after police discovered he had been intoxicated while driving. Jimenez, who was not legally permitted to drive unsupervised with a learner’s permit, was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road when he crashed head-on into the vehicle carrying the young couple. The violent collision caused a fire to break out, and the couple, who were just starting their lives together, were tragically killed on impact.
According to law enforcement, Jimenez showed clear signs of intoxication at the scene. He admitted to authorities that he shouldn’t have been driving, a chilling statement that only added to the overwhelming sadness and shock that surrounded the aftermath of the crash.
The Crash: A Night That Should Have Been Different
Leo Shepherd, 18, and Anneka Wilson, 17, had been together for over a year. The couple was known for their close-knit relationship, always seen together at school and in their local community. Leo, a high school graduate, had plans to pursue a career in engineering, while Anneka, a senior, was eager to attend college and pursue a career in health sciences. The two had just finished spending the evening with friends and were driving home when their lives were abruptly and violently taken.
At around 9:30 p.m., the couple was traveling northbound on I-15, heading toward their home when they encountered a car traveling in the wrong direction. The crash occurred on a stretch of highway in Salt Lake County, just outside of Salt Lake City, where Jimenez’s vehicle collided with their car at high speed.
The crash was devastating. The collision caused both cars to burst into flames, and witnesses who arrived at the scene described the scene as a horrific sight, with both vehicles engulfed in flames. First responders rushed to the scene, battling the fire while desperately trying to save the victims. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the teen couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
The brutality of the crash and the fire left little chance for Leo and Anneka to survive. The couple, whose lives had only just begun, were snatched away in a moment of senseless violence, leaving their families and the community devastated.
Jose Angel Torres Jimenez: A Drunk Driver With a Learner’s Permit
At the time of the crash, Jimenez was driving a silver sedan in the wrong direction on I-15. Law enforcement later revealed that Jimenez had been drinking prior to the incident and was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. When he was arrested at the scene, Jimenez admitted to officers that he shouldn’t have been behind the wheel. In an exchange with a state trooper, Jimenez was asked, “Do you feel safe driving?” to which he responded, “No.”
Despite this admission of guilt, Jimenez continued to face the consequences of his actions. It was revealed that Jimenez was driving with just a learner’s permit and was not supposed to be operating a vehicle without an adult present. His actions that night not only led to the deaths of two teenagers but also demonstrated a clear disregard for both the law and the safety of others.
Court documents obtained from the investigation indicated that Jimenez had been driving while intoxicated, and authorities confirmed that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was well above the legal limit at the time of the crash. Officers reported that Jimenez’s speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot, and he had difficulty maintaining his balance as he spoke to officers at the scene.
After being arrested, Jimenez was charged with automobile homicide, a felony charge that could lead to significant prison time if convicted. His actions that night were deemed reckless and criminal, and prosecutors vowed to hold him accountable for the tragic loss of life.
The Impact on Leo and Anneka’s Families
The loss of Leo and Anneka has left their families broken. Leo’s parents, who had raised him to be an ambitious young man, are now grappling with the unfathomable pain of losing their son. Anneka’s parents, who were proud of their daughter’s dedication to her studies and her future, are left to mourn a life filled with potential that was cut short in an instant.
Leo’s mother, Sarah Shepherd, spoke to reporters in the days following the crash, expressing her anger and disbelief over the senseless tragedy. “My son had so much life ahead of him,” Sarah said, her voice trembling. “He had dreams, plans, and a future that will never come. And now, Anneka’s family has lost their beautiful daughter too. It’s a nightmare that no parent should ever have to wake up to.”
Anneka’s father, Marcus Wilson, also spoke to the media, sharing his grief and frustration. “I just don’t understand how something like this can happen,” Marcus said. “My daughter was the sweetest, most caring person. She had so much to give to the world. And now, because of one person’s poor decision, she’s gone.”
The families have both expressed their commitment to honoring the memories of their children, though they know that nothing will ever fill the hole left by their loss. Leo and Anneka were both young people with bright futures ahead of them, and their deaths have left an irreplaceable void.
In the wake of the crash, the two families have come together to seek justice for their children. They have voiced their support for the legal proceedings against Jimenez and are determined to ensure that he faces the full consequences of his actions. The families are also pushing for stricter penalties for drunk driving, hoping to prevent future tragedies like the one they’ve experienced.
The Road to Justice
As the legal proceedings against Jimenez move forward, the community continues to rally behind the families of Leo and Anneka. The loss of two young lives has deeply affected the people of Salt Lake County, and many have expressed their outrage over the actions that led to the fatal crash. The case has sparked conversations about the dangers of drunk driving, the consequences of breaking the law, and the importance of personal responsibility.
The legal process is expected to be lengthy, with Jimenez facing charges of automobile homicide, a crime that carries severe penalties. If convicted, Jimenez could face decades in prison for the deaths of Leo and Anneka, as well as the emotional trauma inflicted on their families.
In the meantime, the families of the two victims continue to grieve, but they are determined to find strength through the love and support of their communities. They hold on to the memories of Leo and Anneka and are committed to making sure their children’s legacies live on. While they cannot undo the tragedy that occurred on I-15 that night, they are determined to fight for justice and hold Jimenez accountable for his reckless actions.
The case has brought attention to the issue of drunk driving and its devastating consequences. Both Leo’s and Anneka’s families are working to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence and to advocate for stronger laws to prevent drunk driving accidents in the future. Their message is clear: drunk driving is never acceptable, and the consequences can be life-shattering for everyone involved.
A Community Mourns
The crash that claimed the lives of Leo Shepherd and Anneka Wilson has left an entire community mourning their loss. Their friends, teachers, and neighbors remember the two teenagers for their kindness, their bright futures, and their boundless potential. Leo and Anneka were not just victims of a tragic accident—they were beloved members of their community, and their deaths have left a mark that will not soon fade.
In the days following the crash, local organizations and schools have held memorials in honor of the two young lives lost. A memorial fund has been set up to support both families, with community members donating generously to help with funeral expenses and to support the families as they navigate the difficult road ahead.
As the investigation and trial continue, the people who knew Leo and Anneka remain steadfast in their commitment to keeping their memories alive. They will never forget the two young souls whose lives were stolen by a senseless act of drunk driving, and they are determined to ensure that the tragedy is never forgotten.
The Road Ahead
The road to justice for Leo and Anneka will be long, but their families are resolute in their fight for accountability. The trial of Jose Angel Torres Jimenez will continue to unfold, and the families of the victims will continue to stand strong, seeking justice for their children and ensuring that their legacies live on.
As the community of Salt Lake County grapples with the loss of two bright young lives, it is clear that their memory will not be lost. The fight for justice, for stricter laws, and for the victims of drunk driving will continue, driven by the love and determination of the families who have been forever changed by this tragic accident.
