Provo, UT (May 12, 2026) — A tragic high-speed pursuit ended in a fatal collision on Monday, May 11, claiming the life of an 83-year-old Provo resident. Authorities have identified the victim as Luena Paulson.
The incident began when police attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Paseto Foalima. According to court documents, Foalima fled from officers before striking Paulson's vehicle. Following the impact, Foalima allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot before being taken into custody.
Investigators discovered open containers of alcohol in the suspect's vehicle, and preliminary hospital data indicated his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was more than four times Utah’s legal limit of 0.05%.
He now faces multiple felony charges, including automobile homicide involving criminal negligence, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and assault on a peace officer.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Luena Paulson during this difficult time.
What Are the Legal Rights of Families Affected by Drunk Driving and Police Pursuits in Utah?
When a fatal collision involves intoxication and a suspect fleeing from law enforcement, the legal landscape shifts from a standard insurance claim to a complex pursuit of justice under Utah’s wrongful death and Dram Shop statutes
In Utah, a Wrongful Death action is separate from the criminal charges filed by the County Attorney. The family of the victim has the right to pursue a civil lawsuit for the loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the emotional trauma caused by this preventable tragedy.
Utah’s Dram Shop laws allow a family to hold a business or social host accountable if they provided alcohol to an already intoxicated person who then caused a fatal crash. Families have the right to an investigation into where the alcohol was purchased or consumed.
While Utah is a No-Fault state, the $3,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) threshold is automatically bypassed in cases of fatality. You have the right to seek the full value of the loss through the at-fault driver's liability insurance and, if applicable, the victim’s own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
Finally, in cases involving a BAC of 0.20% or higher and a deliberate flight from police, Utah law allows for the pursuit of Punitive Damages. Unlike standard compensation for bills or grief, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the community. You have the right to seek these damages to reflect the egregious nature of the suspect's choices.
Although no amount of compensation can replace a lost family member, a wrongful death claim offers a path toward financial stability and official accountability for those responsible. For families in Utah navigating this difficult journey, the legal team at Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys at Law provides dedicated support and experienced guidance.
To explore your legal options and discuss your situation, contact Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys at Law at 801-901-3470 today. We are committed to helping you find a way forward.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law so we can promptly review and update the content.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Cutt, Kendell & Olson Attorneys At Law. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.