Identity of Monday night’s fatal accident released as other driver is arraigned in court

LOGAN — The identity of the 23-year-old Smithfield man killed Monday night in an automobile crash has been released. Michael L. Hunsaker died after the car he was driving was broadsided by a truck.

According to Hunsaker’s obituary, he was traveling home from a play with his mother and little sister when the crash occurred. Hunsaker was thrown from the SUV and died at the scene. The other two were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries and later released.

Hunsaker’s family described him as a gentle soul, a peacemaker, and a man without guile. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bakersfield, California, and later volunteered in the Logan Temple as an officiator. He had attended Bridgerland Technical College and recently completed his certifications in IT/Web Technology.

Police allege Hunsaker was driving a white Toyota SUV and stopped at the corner of 400 South 100 West, attempting to go east. As the car started through the intersection it was broadsided by a Chevrolet truck, driven by Bradley M. Thompkins. The 25-year-old Logan man was reportedly driving under the influence and at a high rate of speed.

Court records show Thompkins was arraigned in 1st District Court Thursday afternoon, appearing by video from the Cache County Jail. He’s been charged with automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, three counts of driving under the influence and one count of obstruction of justice, all third-degree felonies and two misdemeanors.

As officers arrived, witnesses were assisting Thompkins. Bystanders also reported two other occupants in the truck had run from the scene.

Officers began searching and soon located 26-year-old Jerry L. Gooding, hiding a block away from the crash. He was combative and uncooperative. He and Thompkins were also treated at the hospital. The second runner, a 17-year-old male juvenile, was located hours later at his residence.

Thompkins is being held on $35,000 bail. He’ll appear again in court April 23. Charges for Gooding and the 17-year-old male are pending the completion of the investigation.

Funeral services for Hunsaker will be Saturday, April 21st at the Smithfield 14th Ward LDS chapel. A viewing will also be held Friday, April 20 at Nelson Funeral Home in Smithfield.

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