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NEPHI — A Salem woman died Wednesday in an auto-pedestrian crash with a semitrailer on northbound I-15 after running onto the freeway, police said.

Emily Dyches, 39, was the front seat passenger in a Honda Pilot that pulled over to the right shoulder on the northbound side of I-15 just north of Nephi about 2:40 p.m., according to the Utah Highway Patrol.

The semi tried to brake to avoid hitting Dyches, but couldn't do so in time, the highway patrol said. She died on impact.

Utah Highway Patrol trooper Jeff Blankenagel said police were still investigating Wednesday why Dyches exited the Pilot and ran onto the freeway. Police believe the driver initially pulled over after she had already removed her seat belt and was trying to get out of the car.

Northbound I-15 traffic in the area was diverted to U.S. 91 for several miles, the Utah Department of Transportation reported. The freeway closure was in place for about 90 minutes.

A GoFundMe account* was created for the family.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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