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FOUNTAIN GREEN, Sanpete County — The Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of deputy Justin Scott — the third deputy from the sheriff’s office who has died in the past 2 ½ months.
The flag was at half-staff at the sheriff's office Monday to honor Scott, who worked in the jail.
“Definitely going to miss him,” said Sanpete County Sheriff’s Capt. Robert Braithwaite. “He was always a really good officer, did a good job for us.”
Scott, 27, who was off duty Saturday, was driving west on state Route 132 in a Kia Optima near Fountain Green about 6:30 p.m. As he approached a curve in the road, the Kia drifted into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a Dodge Durango. Scott was killed on impact.
Five members of a family in the other vehicle were seriously injured.
"Prayers go out to both families: the family that was in the accident, and he will be definitely missed,” Braithwaite said.
Scott is survived by his wife and their five children.
His death is the latest loss to hit the sheriff's office. On May 10, deputy John Randy Lee lost his battle with cancer after 17 years on the force in Sanpete County.
Just 10 days ago, former Sheriff Wally Buchanan, who was working as a court bailiff, died of an apparent heart attack just a few hours after his shift at the courthouse.
“We're going to miss them all; it has been quite the loss in such a short amount of time,” Braithwaite said.
Besides the emotional loss, it has been a challenge for the small department to get the job done.
"We've been trying to fill in with part-time people. Everybody has stepped up and pulled extra shifts with bailiff, court and transports. It has been pretty devastating for us,” he said.
Funeral plans were still being finalized for Scott. To help with funeral and living expenses, the family has set up a GoFundMe account* under Justin Scott’s Memorial Fund.
A GoFundMe account* has also been set up for the family that was injured in the crash to help pay for medical and living expenses. The parents and three girls sustained various injuries, according to the account. The account is under Head on collision in Juab County.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money 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.
