Drunk Arizona Woman Charged in Deadly Head-on Crash, Fled to Utah

Amy Lynn Mickelson faces multiple felonies, including murder, after 2024 collision that killed 3 and injured 4 others

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 48-year-old Arizona woman has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including second-degree murder and aggravated DUI, after a 2024 head-on collision that killed three people and seriously injured four others. Amy Lynn Mickelson allegedly drove her BMW sedan across the center line while impaired and struck a minivan carrying seven people. After the crash, Mickelson fled to Utah, where she established residence, before being apprehended by U.S. Marshals outside a convenience store in Salt Lake City.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who flee across state lines. The case also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be released on bond, as well as the need for stronger laws and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred on December 7, 2024, on US 93 in Congress. Mickelson was driving her BMW sedan when she crossed the center line and struck a Toyota Sienna minivan head-on. Three people in the van were pronounced dead at the scene: the 51-year-old driver and 17- and 44-year-old passengers. The four remaining passengers, children between the ages of 5 and 16, were seriously injured and taken to hospitals. Mickelson was also hospitalized with serious injuries. After the crash, she fled to Utah, where she established residence, before being arrested by U.S. Marshals outside a convenience store in Salt Lake City on March 19.

  • The crash occurred on December 7, 2024, shortly after 2 p.m.
  • Mickelson was arrested on March 19 outside a convenience store in Salt Lake City.

The players

Amy Lynn Mickelson

A 48-year-old Arizona woman who has been charged with multiple felonies, including second-degree murder and aggravated DUI, for a 2024 head-on collision that killed three people and seriously injured four others.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in apprehending Mickelson after she fled to Utah following the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must hold impaired drivers accountable for the devastation they cause on our roads.”

— Nancy Grace, Host, 'Crime Stories with Nancy Grace' podcast

What’s next

Mickelson is being held without bond in the Weber County jail in Utah while she awaits extradition to Yavapai County, Arizona, where she will face charges that include three counts of second-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated assault, two counts of felony endangerment, one count of criminal damage, and one count of aggravated DUI.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to prevent drunk driving and hold repeat offenders accountable, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who flee across state lines. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating human toll of impaired driving and the importance of community-wide efforts to promote road safety.