Jenna Cunningham tragically lost her life in a Weber Canyon accident while helping another driver, leaving her family devastated and seeking support to bring her home.
In a tragic incident that has left a family in mourning, Jenna Cunningham, a loving mother and devoted partner, lost her life in an accident near Weber Canyon last week. The accident occurred on Interstate 84, around milepost 91, when Cunningham, who was visiting from Raleigh, North Carolina, stepped out of her vehicle to assist another driver in distress. Her selfless act ended in tragedy when she fell over a barrier after trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
Described by her loved ones as someone who would help anyone in need, Cunningham's boyfriend, Joby Arnette, spoke about her unwavering kindness. "Nobody was a stranger to her," he said, reflecting on the impact she had on the lives of those around her. Just last Friday, the couple was engaged in delivering goods for their joint business when they noticed an accident on the side of the road. In what Arnette described as a routine day, Cunningham’s instinct to help led her to grab a first aid kit and exit their vehicle.
"She said, 'I'm gonna go see if everybody's okay,'" Arnette recalled. As she turned back to express her love, those were the last words he would hear from her. In a moment of panic, upon seeing a car approaching with locked brakes, Cunningham jumped over the barrier, hoping to avoid being hit. Arnette, who had been momentarily distracted, soon realized she was missing.
After searching for her for several minutes, he noticed something was off when a piece of trash he threw over the barrier did not hit the ground. Shining his flashlight down into the canyon, Arnette discovered the horrific truth: Cunningham had fallen, and by the time he reached her, she was already gone. "I think she died as soon as she hit the ground," he said, visibly shaken by the suddenness of the tragedy.
The couple had planned a road trip that was meant to be filled with joy and adventure, intending to visit iconic sites such as Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone. Instead, their journey ended in heartbreak. Cunningham was a devoted mother to two children from her previous marriage to Max Guerra. The couple, who divorced amicably, had built a strong friendship post-divorce, and Guerra shared how difficult this time has been for their children.
"After the shock of our divorce, we became best friends. Unfortunately, there's nobody to call now to bounce off the punishments for the boys because it’s rough," Guerra expressed. He and Arnette are now collaborating to ensure that Cunningham's body is returned to Raleigh for a proper funeral. The logistics of this process have proven overwhelming, prompting Guerra to set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs associated with retrieving her body from Utah and arranging for her funeral services.
"When you have to deal with two funeral homes, one in Utah to pick up the body, prepare it, and then transfer it to another funeral home in North Carolina, the expenses just keep piling up," Guerra said, reflecting on the financial burden added to their emotional grief. The community has rallied around the family, contributing to the fund, which aims to ease the financial strain during this devastating time.
As the family navigates this heartbreaking journey, they lean on their cherished memories of Jenna. Guerra stated, "I can’t fully grieve until my boys are healed. It’s a little rough." Meanwhile, Arnette is grappling with the profound emptiness left in his life since Cunningham's passing. "It’s weird waking up by myself, and it’s weird going to sleep by myself. I mean, that’s hard," he admitted, highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on him.
In light of her tragic death, Cunningham is remembered not just for her kindness but also for her adventurous spirit and dedication to her family. Friends and relatives are coming together to honor her legacy, ensuring that her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. As they prepare to say their final goodbyes, the family is united in their resolve to celebrate Jenna’s life and the positive impact she made in the world around her.