Tragedy in Utah as 66-year-old millionaire surgeon dies after car collides with deer

A tragic accident in the US state of Utah claimed the life of Dr. Mark Baker, a 66-year-old millionaire oral surgeon from Idaho, after his vehicle collided with a deer that suddenly ran into the road.

Baker was driving a 2022 BMW Z4 at night in the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 near Portage, Utah, when the animal suddenly appeared in front of his car.

The surgeon died at the scene as a result of the collision. His identity was confirmed by Brad Horsley, the Oneida County coroner, while authorities have launched an investigation to fully establish the circumstances of the accident.

During the emergency response, two northbound lanes of I-15 were blocked for approximately one hour. Traffic was then allowed to resume in the right lane, while the left lane remained closed for about another two and a half hours.

Dr. Baker was a prominent oral surgeon at Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho and had treated patients from across eastern Idaho.

According to his colleagues, he was a trusted, dedicated and compassionate doctor in his interactions with patients. The clinic also described him as a colleague, mentor and friend who was respected by the team.

Following his death, Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho announced that Baker’s patients would be placed under the care of Dr. Shawn A. Jepsen, who will continue their treatment. Meanwhile, the investigation into the causes and circumstances of the incident remains ongoing.