Police escort body of Utah native who died while training in Texas


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SALT LAKE CITY — Sgt. Keith Putnam didn't want to leave behind his brother in law enforcement.

So he flew from Texas to Salt Lake City on Tuesday and accompanied his friend on a police car escort north to Newdale, Idaho.

Putnam and others were part of a solemn procession Tuesday as they transported the body of 31-year-old Christopher Murray, who died Dec. 1 about two weeks after becoming suddenly ill while completing police officer training in Frisco, Texas.

Murray grew up in Utah and graduated from Murray High School before attending Salt Lake Community of College and the University of Utah. He is survived by his wife Hailey Murray, as well as 2-year-old daughter Lorelei and an unborn son, who will be named Kaz.

Putnam, who oversees the Professional Standards Unit for Frisco police, said Murray was "basically done" with his training in the police academy and was in his final physical training to become a police officer when he fell ill to what doctors believe to be a rare kidney disease. He had been a dispatcher for the department for about three years.

Murray graduated from the police academy in absentia during his hospital stay, according to a report from Fox 4 News in Texas.

"The great thing about Chris was he was not only a good employee but he was a family guy," Putnam said. "It's just real obvious that's what was important to him."

Utah native Christopher Murray, pictured here, died Dec. 1, 2016, about two weeks after suddenly becoming ill during a final stage of his police training in Frisco, Texas. His body was transported Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, to Newdale Idaho, where his wife is from. (Photo: Courtesy photo)
Utah native Christopher Murray, pictured here, died Dec. 1, 2016, about two weeks after suddenly becoming ill during a final stage of his police training in Frisco, Texas. His body was transported Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, to Newdale Idaho, where his wife is from. (Photo: Courtesy photo)

It was the police officer's loved ones whom Putnam had in mind when he accompanied Murray's body on a flight to Salt Lake City and then a four-vehicle escort to Idaho.

"I just thought it was important to have somebody with him so the family didn't feel he was traveling alone," Putnam said.

Murray's brother Derrick participated in Tuesday's escort. He reflected on his brother's life, remembering him as an unselfish person.

"He was always just one to help anybody in need. (He was) just really caring no matter what, very straightforward and honest," Derrick Murray said. "He was always there to help anybody. It didn't matter who you were, if he knew you (or) if he didn't."

Christopher Murray's funeral and viewing services are scheduled for Saturday in Newdale, where his wife is from. Derrick Murray had high praise for Putnam and the other officers who assisted in escorting his brother's body to its destination.

"It's just amazing how the brotherhood with the police department (works)," he said. "They helped us out amazingly."

Utah native Christopher Murray, pictured here, died Dec. 1, 2016, about two weeks after suddenly becoming ill during a final stage of his police training in Frisco, Texas. His body was transported Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, to Newdale Idaho, where his wife is from. (Photo: Courtesy photo)
Utah native Christopher Murray, pictured here, died Dec. 1, 2016, about two weeks after suddenly becoming ill during a final stage of his police training in Frisco, Texas. His body was transported Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, to Newdale Idaho, where his wife is from. (Photo: Courtesy photo)

Salt Lake Police Sgt. Lisa Pascadlo said her department was notified Tuesday of the incoming flight and quickly made arrangements "to make sure (Murray) had the appropriate honors" as he came off the plane. They then assisted, along with the Utah Highway Patrol, in transporting his body with a a police escort until Idaho state police took over the procession.

"We've talked very much lately, particularly with out local tragedies, about the brotherhood and the sisterhood of law enforcement," Pascadlo said. "It matters not to us what state someone is in, but it matters to us that they are a police officer. And we feel obligated to make sure that they make it safely home under our guard and our care to their final resting place and to support their family along the way."

A YouCaring account* has been set up for Murray's wife and daughter and has raised over $53,000.


*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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Ben Lockhart and Ashley Moser

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