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Utah man charged with driving drunk during crash that killed his passenger

A Layton man is now facing criminal charges after allegedly driving drunk and causing two car crashes, including a rollover that killed his female passenger.

Derek Lyle Hendricks, 33, was charged Wednesday in 2nd District Court with second-degree felony automobile homicide in the Nov. 21 death of 32-year-old Amber Lawrence, of Layton.

Hendricks also was charged with misdemeanors for causing another crash and for having an open container of alcohol in the car.

The episode began at about 3:35 p.m. on Nov. 21, when Hendricks rear-ended a car in Marriott-Slaterville, then fled west at high speed while “recklessly” passing other vehicles, nearly hitting one head-on, according to charging documents.

Witnesses estimate he was going about 90 mph in a 55-mph zone.

Minutes later, near 4400 W. 1150 South in the unincorporated town of West Weber, Hendricks was still speeding when he lost control on a curve and rolled, the passenger side of his car striking a large tree.

Emergency responders found Lawrence dead in the front passenger seat, and an injured male in the back seat.

As Lawrence was being removed from the car, emergency personnel noticed an open bottle of Southern Host whisky on the floor of the car, charges state.

Hendricks was flown in critical condition to a hospital, where a sample of his blood later tested at 0.22 percent alcohol, which is nearly three times the legal limit.

Charging documents note that Hendricks was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Colorado in 2012.

A warrant for his arrest was issued Wednesday.