Family Sues UDOT Over Teen’s Death At Sinkhole

The family of a 15-year-old Tabiona girl who died when their Ford Excursion crashed into a 20-foot-deep sinkhole is suing the Utah Department of Transportation. The parents of Justine Barneck said road crews failed to warn motorists of the hazard last July on state Route 35 near Tabiona. UDOT has said it drained creek water that pooled along the highway, but another storm washed the road away. The father survived with “severe injuries” but his daughter died when the vehicle slammed into the pit, and both were wearing seat belts, the lawsuit says.