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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah Highway Patrol trooper who was struck by a vehicle last week has died from his injuries, leaving behind a wife and three young sons.
Trooper Eric Ellsworth, 32, of Brigham City, died late Tuesday after he was hit Friday night while attempting to slow traffic in Garland because of a problem with a power line.
Authorities say he was struck by a car driven by a 16-year-old girl after stepping out of his vehicle to warn a truck driver about sagging power lines.
The Box Elder Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, said Wednesday that it doesn't appear the driver was going too fast or was impaired. No arrests have been made.
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Keith Squires said the teen is a new driver and it appeared to be an accident. Squires, who spoke through tears, said officials are keeping her in their thoughts and prayers along with the family of Ellsworth.
Lee Perry, a state lawmaker who was Ellsworth's lieutenant, said troopers from their northern Utah section want the girl to know they have no ill-will.
"We love her and we understand it was an accident," Perry said.
Perry cried as he described Ellsworth as brave, calm and kind and said his young family will be cared for.
The son of a retired trooper, Ellsworth had been with the agency for seven years. He spent the past five years patrolling roads in northern Utah.
He's the second Utah law enforcement officer to die after being struck by a vehicle in November. West Valley City police Officer Cody Brotherson was killed Nov. 6 when authorities say he was struck by people fleeing in a stolen vehicle.
Ellsworth is the first state trooper to die in the line of duty since 2012, when 34-year-old Aaron Beesley fell to his death during the rescue of two teenage hikers near Salt Lake City.
Ellsworth's death set off a flurry of support and condolences on social media.
Gov. Gary Herbert called Ellsworth an "exceptional second-generation" trooper who "paid the ultimate sacrifice while keeping others safe from harm."
Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Rapich said in a statement: "The overwhelming hurt and sorrow that each of us feel is an absolute testimony to how much we loved and looked up to Eric."
Funeral plans were pending.
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