SALT LAKE CITY — One of the three victims taken to the University of Utah Hospital’s Burn Center after an explosion at a gas plant pumping station in Wyoming has died.
Jared Loftiss, 35, was a husband and father of four little boys. He was flown to the Burn Center, where he died Wednesday morning after suffering severe burns in the explosion.
The explosion happened at a gas plant pumping station 150 miles outside of Salt Lake City in the town of Opal, Wyoming on Tuesday afternoon. A cleaning crew taking care of a production tank at EOG Resources opened a door when the tank exploded. One person was treated at the scene. Two remain in the hospital.
The Loftiss family said they want to mourn in private, but they did release some pictures and a heartfelt letter to the public.
“We (The Loftiss Family) would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful people of the community for all of their love, support, thoughts, and prayers at this difficult time. We also want to thank the first responders, Jared’s coworkers, the medical staff at both South Lincoln Medical center and the University of Utah, and the countless others who worked behind the scenes doing everything they could to try to save him. We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place and pray for all of the others who were also involved.”
“Jared was a loving husband, father, brother, and son. He always put the needs of others before his own. He lived to protect, especially his family. He was a survivor of childhood cancer and was always a friend to anyone who needed one. He was a very down to earth person and non judgmental. He loved everyone especially his wife and kids and lived every day for them. He has 4 wonderful little boys and recently he and his wonderful wife found out she is expecting . He also has a daughter who preceded him in death.”
“The family has set up a donation fund for anyone who would like to support his wife and kids in this difficult time. Donations can be made in his name at any Transwest Credit Union. For more information they can be contacted at 801-487-1692.”
