JACKSON, Wyo. — The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a bicyclist on Saturday has been charged with aggravated homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence.
According to charging documents, Jody Utter, 53, of Jackson, was driving westbound on South Park Loop Road around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon when he apparently crossed into the eastbound lane and hit local photographer Florence McCall-Phillips, who was riding her bike. Multiple deputies and emergency responders arrived to the scene near Melody Creek Lane, and the roads in the area were closed to traffic.
Utter failed a field sobriety test, and he was arrested and brought to the Teton County Jail. A breath test at the jail showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.165.
Debris was found on the roadway where the bike path crosses South Park Loop Road, directly east of the entrance to Melody Creek Lane. The victim was lying approximately 200 feet from the first point of impact. Responding medics attempted life-saving measures for McCall-Phillips, and she was pronounced deceased on scene just before 3 p.m.
Utter was charged in the Circuit Court of Teton County, Ninth Judicial District. The charge for felony aggravated homicide by vehicle carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. The maximum sentence for driving under the influence is six months in jail and a $750 fine.
Teton County Jail confirmed that Utter remains in custody, and his bond is set at $300,000 cash.
