UHP trooper dies five days after traffic accident near Garland City

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper from Brigham City has died, five days after he was hit by a vehicle while trying to direct traffic in Box Elder County.

In a press release Wednesday morning, UHP Sgt. Todd Royce wrote, “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.”

Last Friday night, Ellsworth was responding to a downed power line along SR-13 near Garland City. While out of his patrol car, attempting to slow traffic, he was struck by a car traveling southbound, driven by a 16-year-old girl.

Ellsworth sustained severe injuries and was transported by helicopter to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where he had been in extremely critical condition.

Tuesday, the family released a statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they had felt. It went onto say, Ellsworth had always stood tall and fulfilled his obligations and responsibilities in life, in faith and duty in law enforcement.

Ellsworth had been a trooper for seven-years, following in his father’s footsteps. His first two years were spent in Green River, Wyoming, before being assigned to Section 1 and patrolling Box Elder County.

He leaves behind his wife of 10-years, Janica and their three sons.

Funeral services are being arranged.

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