The hearts of two families—and an entire community—are forever changed by the tragic loss of 18-year-old Anneka Wilson of Springville, Utah, and her beloved boyfriend, Leo, who were taken far too soon in a devastating wrong-way crash on I-15 on November 29, 2025. Their lives, intertwined by love, hopes, and dreams, ended in a moment that no one could have foreseen and that those who knew them will never forget.
Anneka and Leo were traveling north to Idaho to spend Thanksgiving weekend with family, a simple trip fueled by excitement, love, and youthful joy. Instead, their journey was cut short when an impaired driver entered the interstate going the wrong direction and collided head-on with their vehicle. The suddenness of their passing has left a void that words can barely begin to fill.
Remembering Anneka — A Bright Light With a Heart Full of Kindness
Those who knew Anneka describe a young woman whose presence radiated warmth and compassion. With her characteristic “zest for life,” she approached every day with joy and purpose. She was nearing high school graduation and had big dreams—dreams she spoke of with eagerness and determination. Anneka planned to pursue a career in radiology, dedicating herself to helping others, just as she had always done in her personal life.
Her brother, Hallister, shared how Anneka had an unwavering ability to care for others, no matter their circumstances. Whether comforting a friend, standing up for someone who needed support, or simply spreading kindness in her everyday interactions, she lived with an open heart. That generosity, that instinct to nurture and uplift, is what those who love her will remember most.
“If there is anything she would want to be remembered for,” her brother said, “it would be her love and kindness for others.”
Remembering Leo — Compassionate, Loyal, and Full of Love
Leo’s family and those close to him describe him as immensely compassionate, gentle, and committed to the people he cared about most. His love for Anneka was evident to anyone who saw them together—quiet, steady, genuine.
“He was very compassionate and kind,” Hallister said. “And he loved his family, including Anneka, more than anyone I know.”
The love they shared, young yet incredibly deep, is something their families will carry with them forever. Their connection was sincere and true—a bond marked by support, laughter, dreams, and the comfort they found in each other.
Two Lives Intertwined, Two Futures Lost
Anneka and Leo were only at the beginning of their adulthood—full of promise, full of hope, full of potential. The tragedy of their loss is not only in the lives they lived, but in the countless milestones they never got the chance to reach: graduations, careers, families, adventures, and all the beautiful moments that make a life whole.
Their absence leaves two families shattered and a community grieving. The pain is deep. The questions are heavy. And yet, amid the heartbreak, those who loved them hold tightly to the memories that now serve as cherished treasures.
Coming Together in Grief and Support
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been created to help support Anneka’s family with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as the emotional healing ahead. Community members have begun offering support, prayers, and messages of love for the Wilson family. A fundraiser for Leo’s family may follow as loved ones navigate these early days of unimaginable sorrow.
The families, united in their grief, ask for compassion, respect, and continued support as they face the difficult road ahead—one marked by healing, remembrance, and the hope that their children will never be forgotten.
A Call for Change
The families have also expressed hopes that this tragedy will not be in vain. Anneka’s brother shared a powerful reminder about the importance of preventing impaired driving, saying, “We’ve lost two beautiful young souls to yet another DUI, and things need to change.”
The loss of Anneka and Leo reflects a tragedy that ripples far beyond their immediate families—a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound consequences of impaired driving.
Forever Remembered
Anneka and Leo will forever be remembered for the joy they brought into the world, the love they shared, and the bright futures they carried with them. Though their lives ended far too soon, their legacy lives on—in memories, in stories, in the hearts of those who will never stop loving them.
May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find comfort in the love that surrounds them and the knowledge that Anneka and Leo remain forever in the hearts of all who knew them.
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