Matthew Jones and Mardelle Parkin: Tragic Loss of Siblings in Fatal Crashes at Bluff Street Intersection

Accident – death – Obituary News : St. George • The heart-wrenching tragedy struck a family in St. George last week, as a brother and sister met with untimely deaths within a span of 48 hours in two fatal incidents at the same intersection on Bluff Street.

The first incident occurred on November 1, when emergency responders rushed to the intersection of Bluff Street and 500 North after receiving reports of a crash involving a female pedestrian. Tragically, the victim, identified as Mardelle Parkin, 37, was struck by a pickup truck and succumbed to her injuries. Little did her family know that this devastating event foreshadowed an even more tragic fate.

Just two nights later, on November 3, another fatal collision took place at the very same intersection. Matthew Jones, a resident of St. George, was walking near his home when he was hit by a vehicle. Despite the efforts of officers and medical staff, Jones could not be revived, and he tragically lost his life. His sister, Valerie Jones, heartbreakingly revealed that her brother lived close to the intersection where he met his untimely end.

The grief-stricken sister recounted the haunting conversation she had with her brother before the second tragedy unfolded. She recalled hugging Matthew and telling him, “Nothing better ever happen to you.” Unbeknownst to her, those words would become an eerie premonition, as she returned to the very same intersection just two nights later to face the devastating loss of her brother.

The entire community is mourning the loss of these siblings, as their deaths have shaken the tight-knit St. George community to its core. The incidents have also sparked concerns about the safety of the intersection and the need for improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Local authorities are investigating both incidents, focusing on factors such as driver negligence, visibility issues, and any other potential contributing factors. The hope is that a thorough investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding these tragic accidents and help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The sorrowful events have served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. The St. George community is rallying together to support the grieving family and advocate for increased safety measures at dangerous intersections. It is a heartbreaking reminder that tragedy can strike unexpectedly, and it is our collective responsibility to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and motorists alike.

The full story can be accessed on StGeorgeUtah.com, where readers can delve deeper into the details of these devastating incidents. This article is published through the Utah News Collaborative, a partnership of news organizations in Utah that aim to inform readers across the state..