Eagle Mountain Road Rage: Second Driver Charged in Double-Fatality Collision

In a new development in the Eagle Mountain road rage case that resulted in two fatalities, Michael Alan Landen, the driver of the Nissan Maxima, has been formally charged with two counts of Negligent Homicide (Class A Misdemeanor) and Reckless Driving (Class B Misdemeanor). This follows the charges already filed against Peterson Drew Matheson, the driver of the Ford F-150 involved in the initial road rage incident that ultimately led to the death of Rodney Salm and Michaela Himmelberger when Matheson’s vehicle collided with their Porsche. The charges against Landen stem from allegations that he actively engaged in the road rage incident, with an accident reconstruction report stating that Landen had actively steered into Matheson’s truck while the vehicles were in contact. Landen’s arraignment is scheduled for February 26, 2025.

While many character witnesses have written letters in support of Matheson, some of these letters contain quotes that suggest Landen should also be held accountable for his role in the events that led to the fatal collision. As Richard, Peter’s uncle, stated, “Perhaps the other driver should be put to similar jeopardy and shame but has not been”. Skyler G, a friend of Peter Matheson, expressed a similar sentiment: “I personally believe that had the driver, of the Nissan not been there that day, there wouldn’t have been an accident”. These statements, among others, highlight a perception that Landen bears some responsibility for the tragic outcome, alongside Matheson.

• Charges: Landen is charged with the following:
  • Two counts of Negligent Homicide, a Class A Misdemeanor, in violation of Utah Code Ann. §76-5-206.
  • Reckless Driving, a Class B Misdemeanor, in violation of Utah Code Ann. § 41-6A-528.
• Probable Cause: The charges are based on evidence submitted by Adam Hickman of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
• Underlying Incident: The charges stem from a road rage incident on June 4, 2023, in Eagle Mountain, involving Landen’s Nissan Maxima and a Ford F-150 driven by Peterson Matheson. The incident resulted in Matheson’s vehicle colliding with a Porsche and causing two deaths.
• Landen’s Actions: Landen was allegedly tailgated by Matheson and tapped his brakes in response. Matheson then attempted to pass Landen on the right shoulder, and the vehicles made contact. Landen stated he closed the distance between himself and the vehicle in front of him. An accident reconstruction report stated that Landen had actively steered into the white truck while maintaining contact.
• Court Appearance: Landen was summoned to appear before the Fourth District Court for an initial appearance via Webex on February 26, 2025.
• Plea: A plea of not guilty to the charges of negligent homicide and reckless driving was entered on behalf of Landen by his attorney Mark Brian.
• Representation: Landen is represented by attorneys Craig Chlarson and Mark Brian.

Based on the collision analysis reports filed in the Matheson case, here is a summary of Landen’s role in the incident:

• Road Rage Incident: The driver of the Nissan Maxima, Michael Alan Landen, was involved in what witnesses reported to be a road rage incident with Peterson Matheson, who was driving a white Ford F-150 pickup truck.
• Initial Interaction: The incident began when the white truck (driven by Matheson) was tailgating the Maxima (driven by Landen) on SR-73. Landen tapped his brakes to show disapproval, and Matheson honked in response.
• Attempted Passing and Contact: Matheson then attempted to pass the Maxima on the right shoulder of the road. The vehicles made contact multiple times while driving parallel to each other, resulting in damage to both vehicles. Neither driver slowed down or stopped.
• Witness accounts A witness stated that after the Maxima merged into the regular lane of travel, the white truck swerved over to the right of the Maxima, driving on the shoulder of the road in what appeared to be an attempt to pass the Maxima on the right. The witness estimated the initial speed at 65-70 miles per hour. The witness stated that he and his wife were both concerned because of how close both the Maxima and the white truck were to the witness’ vehicle. Dash cam footage shows the Maxima and the white truck traveling at a high rate of speed just one vehicle length behind the witness’ vehicle. The witness stated that the Maxima and the truck bumped into each other at least two times.
• Closing the Distance: Landen stated that he saw the white truck speed up so he “closed the distance” with the vehicle in front of him to “about a Suburban’s length”.
• Accident Reconstruction: An accident reconstruction report found that Defendant Landen “appears to have place his right to unrelentingly and unsafely occupy a traffic lane higher than the safety of people and property around him”.
• Paint Transfer: Deputies observed paint transfer and tire marks on the passenger side of the Maxima and driver’s side of the white truck, corroborating the driver’s statement.
• Loss of Control: Matheson lost control of the white truck, swerved into oncoming traffic, and collided head-on with a Porsche, resulting in the deaths of the two occupants.
• Active Steering: The accident reconstruction report indicated that Landen had actively steered into the white truck while maintaining contact. The report stated that “after the last front corner to rear corner contact was when the went into a side skid, out of control, and into the opposing lane of travel”.

In summary, the Nissan Maxima, driven by Michael Alan Landen, was actively involved in a road rage incident with Peterson Matheson. Landen’s actions, including driving parallel and making contact with the white truck, contributed to the circumstances that led to Matheson losing control of his vehicle and causing the fatal collision.