MURRAY, Utah, Nov. 23, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Highway Patrol has announced that Trooper Eric Ellsworth has died from injuries suffered in the line of duty.
Ellsworth, 32, was critically injured Friday night after being struck by a car on State Route 13 outside of Garland City in Box Elder County.
He had been in intensive care at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray ever since.
Trooper Ellsworth was a seven year veteran of the UHP. He leaves behind a wife and three young sons.
The Utah Highway Patrol’s statement of Ellsworth’s passing released Wednesday morning is as follows:
Statement on the Passing of Trooper Eric Ellsworth
It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that the Utah Highway Patrol confirms the passing of Trooper Eric Ellsworth. Today, at the age of 32, he succumbed to his injuries received in the line of duty. On Friday, November 18, while responding to a call of low hanging power lines near Garland City, Trooper Eric Ellsworth was struck by a vehicle and critically injured.
Trooper Ellsworth dedicated 7 years of his life to the Utah Highway Patrol. His first two years were spent in Green River. He spent his final 5 years in Section 1 helping and serving the people of Box Elder County and Northern Utah. Our thoughts and love go to his wife and their three young boys.
Statements by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith D. Squires and Utah Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Rapich are available on our Department of Public Safety website under news.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the Ellsworth family during this difficult time. Our Utah Highway Patrol public affairs team will keep you updated on information about funeral and memorial services.
Gov. Gary R. Herbert also issued a statement Wednesday morning, which reads: Jeanette and I are heartbroken by the news of Trooper Eric Ellsworth’s passing. 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.
Herbert will order the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on the day of Trooper Ellsworth’s funeral.
