SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has approved parole for Peterson Drew Matheson, convicted in a fatal road rage incident, effective October 5, 2027.
Matheson, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree felony manslaughter in November 2024 and received two consecutive 0-5 year prison terms. He was involved in a June 2023 crash on State Route 73 in Eagle Mountain that resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
According to authorities, Matheson was driving a Ford F150 pickup while attempting to pass a Nissan Maxima when both vehicles collided. The crash caused Matheson's truck to spin into oncoming traffic, where it struck a Porsche head-on, killing the driver and a passenger, identified as Rodney Michael Salm and Michaela Himmelberger.
The Board's decision noted that Matheson's positive behavior and program compliance were factors in granting parole. However, the families of the victims opposed the release, expressing that the incident had a significant emotional impact. The parole documents were signed by Board Chair Blake Hills.
The investigation into the initial crash may continue despite the parole decision.