A community in Utah is devastated after its mayor, who was re-elected in November, passed away in a car accident. Ren Hatt, the mayor of Green River, died in a crash Friday night on U.S. Highway 6 after his vehicle was hit head-on by a semitruck. “Our community is heartbroken today,” the city posted on its Facebook page. “We are saddened to share that Mayor Hatt, Ren, was involved in a fatal crash late last night on Highway 6 east of Green River. According to the Utah Highway Patrol, a semi truck drifted into the eastbound lane and struck his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing,” the post continued. “Mayor Hatt loved this community deeply, and he served it with honesty, kindness, and unwavering commitment. We are grieving alongside his family, friends, and all who knew him. We will share more information when it becomes appropriate. For now, we ask everyone to hold his family in their thoughts during this difficult time,” it added. Memorial plans were announced for Green River Mayor Ren Hatt, who was killed in a head-on crash on U.S. Highway 6 after a semi-truck drifted into oncoming traffic late Friday night.https://t.co/3D2flw9QGZ pic.twitter.com/y8hyt4zThM — KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) December 8, 2025 More from The Salt Lake Tribune: The semitruck collided with the Hyundai Palisade that Hatt was driving, killing him, UHP said. The semitruck driver was not injured, according to the release. Officials said they were not sure what caused the semitruck driver to drift into Hatt’s lane, but the release said they do not suspect that the driver was impaired. Hatt, 40, recently won reelection to lead Green River for a second term. He grew up in the rural, southeast Utah town, which is known for its melons and the river that flows under its Main Street. As a teenager, Hatt was an all-state center fielder for Green River High School’s baseball team. He also showed an early interest in elected office as the school’s student body president. “I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Green River Mayor Ren Hatt. Katrina and I are praying for his family, friends, and the Green River community as they mourn,” Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT) commented. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Green River Mayor Ren Hatt. Katrina and I are praying for his family, friends, and the Green River community as they mourn. https://t.co/7j9zYNJmXN — Rep. Mike Kennedy, M.D. (@RepMikeKennedy) December 7, 2025 Deseret News shared further: “Mayor Hatt was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about the people of Green River and worked tirelessly on their behalf. A popular mayor, he was reelected to serve a second term, just four weeks prior to the crash, receiving over 65% of the vote. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones as we all grieve this tragedy together,” Green River officials said. Many residents gathered at Green River High School on Saturday afternoon for a boys basketball game — seeking comfort in familiar routines and a chance to honor a leader who left an unforgettable legacy. “We’re going to miss him a lot,” said student Jessica Norman, describing her shock of learning the news late Friday. Jessica’s mother, Shannon Johnson, said Hatt was close to her son, Ryder, who competed in debate under Hatt’s guidance. “My son Ryder spends a lot of time with Ren,” Johnson said. “He took him to compete all over. … My son adores him.” On the City Council, colleagues remembered Hatt for his intellect, work ethic and compassion. “He’s such a kind person and so smart,” Councilman Larry Packer said, who served four of his six years on the council with Hatt. “He wanted good things for Green River, and he worked his butt off to make sure that happened. Very good man.” KSL News Utah shared video coverage: