Tragedy as newly engaged Utah couple are killed in horror motorcycle crash with ‘drunk’ tractor-trailer driver traveling wrong way down the road

A newly engaged Utah couple was tragically killed along with a friend in a horrific head-on collision with an allegedly intoxicated tractor-trailer driver.

Owen Hart, 22, his fiancee Athena Faye Taylor, 21, and their friend Jeremy Gebo, 44, died March 23 while riding motorcycles on Route 163 in Laughlin, Nevada.

They were allegedly hit by the driver Claude Rafiki, 29, accused of swerving drunk into oncoming traffic. He has been charged with three counts of DUI resulting in death.

Tributes to the deceased poured in, with a GoFundMe for the engaged couple saying they were “just beginning their love story” and “more than soulmates, they were best friends.”

On Wednesday, a Nevada judge set Rafiki’s bail at $500,000 and ordered him not to drink or drive if he had to post bail, it reports. 8NewsNow.

Although the tragic accident occurred on Saturday, his court proceedings were delayed for several days, as the courts had to find a translator for Rafiki, because he only speaks Kinyarwanda, a Central African dialect.

According to the reported charges, police believe he was traveling on the wrong side of the road before hitting the three motorcyclists.

Owen Hart’s devastated family told 8NewsNow he had just turned 22 and had ambitions to start a career as a truck driver.

The motorcycle ride that saw him lose his life was part of a birthday celebration, they added.

Hart and Taylor had gotten engaged on Christmas last year, and their friend Caleb Gwilliam wrote at the fundraiser that they were “taken from this world too soon.”

“Not only were they ‘soon’ companions in life, but also in their love of adventure, the outdoors and the thrill of the open road and companions in spirit,” the fundraiser for funeral expenses said.

‘On Christmas 2023, Owen asked Athena to spend forever with him. This was going to be just the beginning of her love story, filled with dreams of a bright future.

‘Owen and Athena were more than soulmates; They were best friends, seeking adventure, and sharing their love of life with everyone around them.

“The spirit and love of Owen and Athena will live on in our hearts.”