Rich County deputy recovering after being hit by semi-truck

While investigating a semi that slid off the roadway in Laketown Canyon on Hwy 30, a second semi lost control and slid into a Rich County Deputy's vehicle.

LOGAN — A deputy is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a semi-truck Tuesday morning, east of Bear Lake. Jon Nichol was struck by the runaway truck, while trying to divert traffic from an earlier crash in Laketown Canyon, SR-30.

Rich County Sheriff Dale Stacey said, “It’s a miracle that Nichol is as good as he is.” He explained how the 57-year-old deputy survived the accident without a single broken bone.

Utah Highway Patrol troopers report Nichol was positioned just east of the first crash location at a runaway truck ramp. Another westbound semi lost control coming down the grade and struck him while outside of his patrol truck. He was treated by paramedics and transported to Logan Regional Hospital.

Stacey spent most of the afternoon until mid-night with Nichol. The deputy had deep bruising and was in a lot of pain. He also suffered torn ligaments in his elbow and underwent surgery early Wednesday morning.

Nichol has been a member of the sheriff’s office for more than six years. He and his wife have three children, one son who is still at home. Another son works in law enforcement and is currently employed with the Utah Department of Corrections in Draper.

Stacey said, “Nichol is a great guy and well-liked by everyone in the county.” It is unsure when he will be released from the hospital.

UHP Sgt. Cade Brenchley said the semi that hit Nichol has been transported back to Logan. Troopers are attempting to locate the truck’s black box, which should have video footage of the crash.


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