Zoe Carisa Blankenstein dies in fatal Sandy crash.

Zoe Carisa Blankenstein dies in fatal Sandy crash.
Fatal Sandy crash death of Zoe Carisa Blankenstein – Obituary

A Draper woman, Zoe Carisa Blankenstein, has been charged following a fatal pedestrian accident in Sandy. Blankenstein, who is set to celebrate her 56th birthday on Friday, was charged with automobile homicide, a second-degree felony, after hitting and killing 40-year-old Joshua M. Perry.

The tragic incident occurred on January 15 at around 7 p.m., when Perry was crossing the street at the intersection of 1000 East and 11000 South. Blankenstein, driving a Ford Escape, ran a stop sign and struck Perry, causing him to be thrown into another vehicle that had stopped for a turn. Perry suffered severe head injuries, including a skull fracture and a traumatic brain injury, which doctors determined to be nonrecoverable.

After the accident, Blankenstein reportedly showed no remorse, stating that Perry “came out of nowhere” and gesturing dramatically while speaking with officers. She repeatedly claimed to be in shock, stating she had turned onto 700 East and 11300 South, despite the actual location being a four-way stop intersection.

Blankenstein, who had been driving home after celebrating her birthday, was found to have a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and difficulty standing. A toxicology test later revealed her blood alcohol content was 0.309%, more than six times the legal limit.

Blankenstein has also been charged with interfering with police, having an open container of alcohol, and running a stop sign.