TOOELE COUNTY. UTAH: Maksym Vechirko, a 36-year-old truck driver from Sacramento, California, was killed by a drunk driver while checking his tires on the side of a highway in Utah on Saturday, October 22 morning.

He leaves behind a pregnant wife and seven children, now facing financial and emotional challenges.

How was Maksym Vechirko killed?

Vechirko was delivering fruits as a means to provide for his family, according to a GoFundMe account set up by his friends.

He had parked his van, which was hauling a trailer, in the emergency lane of Interstate 15 near mile marker 55. His father was in the passenger seat in the van when the tragedy occurred.

“He was an extraordinary person who loved his family and brought joy to many people around him and those who he met,” the fundraiser added.

Vechirko had stepped outside the van to check its tires, as per KUTV, when he was struck by a Hyundai driven by Shelby Kenneth Secrist, 43, who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP).

What charges is the driver Shelby Kenneth Secrist facing?

Secrist was jailed for investigation of several charges, including negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, a second-degree felony, and driving under the influence, a class B misdemeanor, as reported by Gephardt Daily.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said in a statement that the crash occurred around 9:09 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Vechirko was driving a Mercedes Sprinter van pulling a trailer, which pulled over on the right shoulder of I-80 eastbound near milepost 55.

He was outside the vehicle when a Hyundai Elantra approached in the right lane. It first hit the trailer and then Vechirko, causing him fatal injuries.

Vechirko was pronounced dead at the scene.

Vechirko leaves a pregnant wife, Tanya, and their seven incredible children behind

“Max leaves behind his beloved wife, Tanya, and their seven incredible children, David, 14; Tanya,12; Vera, 10; Dima, 9, Maksim, 6, Mark, 4, Samuel, 2, and "another one on the way," the GoFundMe account says.

“Tanya, a devoted homemaker, with God’s help, has always been the unwavering anchor of their family, tirelessly ensuring that their family needs are met with love and dedication while Maksim was out on the road.”

The account also says that Vechirko’s family is “emotionally shattered” and facing “daunting financial challenges” after his sudden loss.

It appeals to the community to provide support and donations to help them cope with their situation.

It says it will help "Tanya to navigate the lifelong journey of caring for her children with confidence and hope in our Father in Heaven.”