UHP trooper struck by vehicle in Garland dies 4 days after accident

MURRAY — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper who was critically injured in an accident Friday evening died from his injuries late Tuesday, Utah Highway Patrol confirmed.

Trooper Eric Ellsworth responded to a report of a sagging power line near 13600 North and state Route 13 around 9:45 p.m., Friday, according to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office. Ellsworth had stepped out of his vehicle and was trying to alert the driver of a semitruck traveling in the northbound lane of SR-13 about the power line when a 16-year-old girl driving a 2006 Chevy sedan in the southbound lane struck him, officials from the highway patrol said.

Ellsworth, 32, was transported to a hospital in Bear River before being flown to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray in extremely critical condition. He died early Tuesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that the Utah Highway Patrol confirms the passing of Trooper Eric Ellsworth,” Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce said in a statement. "Our thoughts and love go to his wife and their three young boys."

Ellsworth worked for the Utah Highway Patrol for seven years. He spent the first five of those in Green River and the final two serving in the Box Elder County and Northern Utah areas. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Ron Ellsworth, who joined the UHP in 1972 and served until his retirement in 2001, serving most of his time in Davis County.

American flags surrounded the Calvin Rampton building Wednesday, headquarters for department and the Utah Highway Patrol, in honor of trooper Ellsworth.

"This is one of the toughest things I've been involved with since I've been a commissioner. Thirty-year career, 28 of those with the Department of Public Safety, it never gets any easier. We've lost too many friends over the years who have been serving our great state with honor, with courage, the genuineness and the desire to help people," said DPS Commissioner Keith Squires as he attempted to fight back tears, though the redness of his eyes showed otherwise.

UHP Lt. Lee Perry was Ellsworth's supervisor for the past five years. He, too, couldn't hold back his tears as he remembered his brave, strong and kind colleague.

"Eric was never afraid of what he had to do and get the job done right," Perry said.

On Tuesday, 15 members of Ellsworth's family stood behind Jason Moyes, one of Ellsworth's brothers-in-law, as he read a prepared statement. In it, the family thanked the community for the love and support they received. They also offered forgiveness to the 16-year-old girl who hit Ellsworth.

"We know that was a tragic accident that affected so many individuals," Moyes said. "We also know this accident greatly affected the life of a young lady. Collectively as a family, we want this young lady to know of our love for her. Our prayers have been there for you and your family. We are so grateful for the immediate feelings of forgiveness and love toward you. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers."

Ellsworth served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winnipeg, Manatoba. He is a second generation UHP trooper. He married his high school sweetheart, Janica.

“Jeanette and I are heartbroken by the news of Trooper Eric Ellsworth’s passing," Gov. Gary R. Herbert said in a statement. "Eric was an exceptional second generation UHP Trooper who cared deeply for his young family. A committed public servant, he paid the ultimate sacrifice while keeping others safe from harm. Our prayers are with his loving wife Janica, their children, and the entire UHP family at this difficult time.”

Ellsworth is the second Utah law enforcement officer that has been struck and killed by a vehicle while responding to a call this month. On Nov. 6, West Valley police officer Cody Brotherson was struck and killed by a vehicle that was fleeing from officers during a pursuit. Ellsworth is the third officer killed in the line of duty in 2016. Unified police officer Doug Barney was shot and killed in January.

The last trooper to be killed in the line of duty was trooper Aaron Beesley in 2012. The 13-year veteran was killed during a search-and-rescue operation after apparently losing his footing and falling approximately 60 feet.

"November has been a particularly painful month for Utah's law enforcement community. Just days after laying to rest West Valley Police Officer Cody Brotherson, we now face the loss of Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Ellsworth who is in critical condition," said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. "We are deeply saddened whenever there is harm to Utah officers of any agency, whether intentional or accidental, and we pray today for the family of Trooper Ellsworth that his loved ones may find comfort in the legacy of service and honor he leaves behind.

"We offer our sincere appreciation to all those who serve honorably in law enforcement around our state and throughout our nation, including Utah's Department of Public Safety, the Utah Highway Patrol, and Commissioner Keith Squires, and we offer our support during this tragic time."

As families across the state gather Thursday for Thanksgiving, Squires asked the community to, "Take the opportunity to think of Eric and his family. Think of all the men and women who serve in law enforcement and give thanks to them, too. If you see them in a restaurant, see them filling up their vehicles, run into them in church, take the time to thank them. It means so much to them. Our law enforcement serves as a representative to all of us. It's so important to know we have that support behind us."

Officials said plans for memorial and funeral services are "very much underway" and would likely be announced by Thursday.

Contributing: Pat Reavy

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