The Orem community is grieving the loss of a young man remembered as a “walking angel on earth.” Wesley Samuel Hadfield, 24, of Orem, Utah, died on Monday, August 10, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle at a busy intersection. The accident occurred just before 12:45 p.m. at the intersection of 700 East and University Parkway, according to the Orem Police Department. Wesley was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators. His passing has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Wesley Samuel Hadfield, 24, of Orem, Utah, died on August 10, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 700 East and University Parkway. The accident occurred just before 12:45 p.m.; Wesley was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with police. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend who had defied the odds after a severe brain injury years earlier.
The Accident: What Happened on University Parkway
The fatal crash occurred on Monday, August 10, 2026, just before 12:45 p.m. at the intersection of 700 East and University Parkway in Orem. According to the Orem Police Department, Wesley was struck by a vehicle and later pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved in the incident remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Eastbound traffic near the intersection was closed for several hours as police conducted their investigation but reopened just before 5 p.m.
No further details about what led to the collision have been released by authorities at this time.
Who Was Wesley Samuel Hadfield?
Wesley Samuel Hadfield, 24, was a resident of Orem, Utah, who had already lived a life defined by resilience, gratitude, and unwavering love for others. His father, Varden Hadfield, described him as “truly a walking angel on earth”.
Key aspects of Wesley’s life:
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He studied at Karl G. Maeser
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He worked at Harmons grocery store
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He returned to Utah Valley University (UVU) after recovering from a traumatic brain injury
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He enjoyed mountain biking, hiking, and surfing
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He spoke to children about helmet safety, encouraging them to learn from his experience
His cousin, Spencer Tasso, shared: “Wes was the freakin’ best!”.
A Story of Resilience: Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury
About four years before his death, Wesley suffered a major traumatic brain injury (TBI) when he crashed while longboarding. His cousin noted that Wesley “always wore a helmet but the ONE freak time he did not, he crashed”.
What followed was a remarkable journey:
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Multiple brain surgeries
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Extensive rehabilitation
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Defying medical odds to not only survive but “live very well”
His recovery was nothing short of miraculous:
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He returned to work at Harmons
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He went back to school at UVU
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He resumed his active lifestyle—mountain biking, hiking, surfing
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He became an advocate for helmet safety, sharing his story with children
A Legacy of Gratitude and Love
Wesley’s family has chosen to focus on the love and gratitude he embodied throughout his life, even in the face of tragedy.
His father wrote a moving tribute: “He emulated continual gratitude and love—and it came from deep within his soul. His entire life and mindset was dedicated to others. He also liked to have fun! A magnet for smiles and fun”.
His family’s message to the world:
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“People are good” — a testament to the support they received from medical providers, teachers, and people around the world
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“Take care of your people. Your time with them is precious. And wear a helmet!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Wesley Samuel?
Wesley Samuel Hadfield was a 24-year-old man from Orem, Utah, who died after being struck by a vehicle on August 10, 2026. He was known for his resilience after overcoming a severe brain injury and for his advocacy of helmet safety.
What happened to Wesley Samuel in Orem?
Wesley was hit by a vehicle at the intersection of 700 East and University Parkway in Orem just before 12:45 p.m. on August 10, 2026. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Where did the accident occur?
The accident occurred at the intersection of 700 East and University Parkway in Orem, Utah.
What was Wesley Samuel’s cause of death?
Wesley died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a vehicle while at the intersection. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What should I do if I witness a pedestrian accident?
Call 911 immediately, stay with the person if it is safe to do so, and provide any information you can to first responders. Always prioritize safety and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
Conclusion
Wesley Samuel Hadfield lived a life that defied the odds and inspired those around him. From a devastating brain injury to a remarkable recovery, he showed the world what resilience, gratitude, and love truly look like. His sudden death in a pedestrian accident has left a community in mourning, but his legacy—his advocacy for helmet safety, his joy for life, and his unwavering dedication to others—will live on. His father’s final words are a reminder to us all: “Take care of your people. Your time with them is precious. And wear a helmet!”