CACHE COUNTY, Utah, March 27, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Highway Patrol has released video of a trooper injured when he was hit by a car in Sardine Canyon on Sunday afternoon, making him the 11th trooper hit on the road since Jan. 1.
Last year, a total of 10 troopers were hit in the course of the entire year, UHP said.
A news release from UHP said the trooper, later identified as Sgt. Cade Brenchley, was outside his vehicle checking on one of several injury accidents in the canyon following heavy snowfall and was struck by a motorist just after 5 p.m.
UHP Lt. Lee Perry said Brenchley, a second generation trooper, was thrown approximately 15 to 20 feet into a stopped car when he was hit.
Brenchley was briefly knocked unconscious, Perry said, and he had several broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade and was transported to Logan Regional Hospital.
Sardine Canyon (US 89/91) was closed in both directions at mile post 14, five miles from Logan, as a result of the string of accidents.
“The 13 year UHP veteran is well respected and known in his community where he serves as a local soccer coach,” the UHP said in a statement when the video was released.
“Sgt. Brenchley has previously been involved in delivering twins on the side of the interstate and helping save a burn victim in a car crash. He spearheads our northern Utah public information and education efforts and works with local high schools. Most importantly, he is a husband and father of four.
“This is the 11th trooper hit on Utah roads this year (Jan. 1-March 25). In 2017, ten troopers were hit. In only three months, we have unfortunately surpassed that unacceptable number.”
The news release added that the department is thankful to the multiple bystanders who came to the aid of Brenchley after he was struck. “The dash cam video shows many people on the scene who stopped to offer aid and called for help on his car radio,” the news release added. “Some of the Cache Valley first responders included three of Sgt. Brenchleyâs cousins.”
