Utah Highway Patrol addresses the loss of Trooper Eric Ellsworth
https://goo.gl/B9lmFEPosted by Gephardt Daily on Wednesday, November 23, 2016
MURRAY, Utah, Nov. 23, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Highway Patrol held a news conference Wednesday after revealing that Trooper Eric Ellsworth had 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.
Trooper Ellsworth was a seven year veteran of the UHP. His first two years were spent in Green River. He spent his final five years in Section 1 serving the people of Box Elder County and Northern Utah.
He leaves behind a wife and three young sons. The UHP also released a number of photos of Trooper Ellsworth, shown below.
Keith D. Squires, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety spoke first at the news conference, and said: “We are so fortunate we have young men like Eric Ellsworth who want to serve as UHP troopers. He chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and he served with distinction.” Squires said he appreciated the outpouring of love, prayers and support, that have been offered since the accident. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Eric’s wife Janica and children and all of his family. The men and women who serve in our state as law enforcement do so because they care. We are very fortunate in this state that we have the caliber of those that serve. Our law enforcement serves as a representation of all of us.”
He also added that support is also being offered to the teenage girl who was the driver of the car. “Lastly, there’s a young lady who is a new driver that sadly was involved with this accident, and it was an accident,” Squires added. “I ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers too.”
Lt. Lee Perry added to that sentiment, and said: “Today the troopers from the area have gone to the young lady and let her know there is no ill will and we love her and we hope that she’s OK.”
Gov. Gary R. Herbert 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. Funeral arrangements will likely be announced on either Wednesday or Thursday.
