KDXU up to the minute News

Many Utah pregnant woman deaths attributed to opioid abuse

Between 2005 and 2014, nearly 26 percent of pregnancy-associated deaths were drug-induced, making opioid abuse the leading cause of death in new Utah moms and pregnant women, according to a University of Utah Health study published this month. Researchers found that the postpartum period is "critical" time for women with substance abuse problems.

Son of Warren Jeff's dies

Leroy “Roy” Jeff’s, who spoke out publicly against his father Warren Jeffs, has died. According to a post by his sister Rachel Jeffs, Roy Jeffs, who would have turned 27 on June 5, died at his home on Wednesday, May 29. Leroy Jeffs was described by his sister as “fun loving brother who wanted to make the world a better and happier place.

Salt Lake County Attorney says he can't enforce new Utah abortion law

The Salt Lake County District Attorney says he can't enforce Utah's new law banning abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy, because he has to abide by previous court rulings.  Sim Gill talked about an older 22-week ban that was found by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to be unconstitutional.  Gill said it means the 18-week ban is also unconstitutional.  Mary Taylor, president of Pro-Life Utah, said Gill is overstepping his authority.

Mother of Elizabeth Shelley speaks out

The mother of a young girl found dead last week after allegedly being taken from her home by her uncle has spoken for the first time about the death of her daughter.  Jessica Whipple spoke to a crowd gathered at the steps of the Historic Cache County Courthouse in Logan Saturday night for a candlelight vigil dedicated to her daughter, Elizabeth Shelley.  Elizabeth's uncle, Alex Whipple, is facing aggravated murder charges in connection with his niece's death.

Body of man killed at Gunlock Falls recovered

Officials say they've found the body of a man who went missing while cliff jumping Friday at Gunlock Falls.  Crews were called to the park Friday afternoon by friends of 36-year-old Brandon Gary Johnson, who didn't resurface after jumping from the top of the waterfalls.  His body was found Saturday.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says people shouldn't dive from the falls, because of the rock hidden under the surface.

Man attacked by Buffalo

A Davis County man is recovering after being trampled by a bison on Antelope Island.  A spokesman for Utah State Parks says the 30-year-old was trail running on Saturday when the bison struck him Saturday afternoon.  The unidentified man was transported by medical helicopter to the University of Utah.  He had at least two lacerations but no broken bones and is expected to recover.

No body recovered in Virgin River Gorge crash

A man suspected of a sex offense with a juvenile in Hurricane took officers on a high-speed chase on the freeway before crashing upside down in the Virgin River Gorge, according to police. According to a press release issued by the Hurricane Police Department, they were called to a home on a report of a sex offense involving an adult and a juvenile female. The driver would not stop and a chase of the suspect was initiated. Search and rescue and swift water rescue teams were dispatched to the area but the man was not inside the vehicle when they arrived.