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Family focusing on positive memories, not police investigation into Kay Ricks’ death

Posted at 7:45 PM, May 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-20 09:52:36-04

AMERICAN FORK, Utah -- The family of Kay Ricks says they've been following the investigation into his disappearance and death every night just like most people in the community.

But, now that Ricks’ body and his UTA truck have both been recovered, family members are remembering happier times with their loved one and planning funeral services.

A family spokesman says they are aware of the possible connections between the Harrisons—a father/son duo wanted for kidnap and assault recently named persons of interest in Ricks' death—but they’re not focusing on that.

"There is no hate, there is no anger, there is no seeking of revenge,” said Richard Massey, a family spokesman, on Thursday. “They will let the police departments do what police departments do. They just want to have happy memories of Kay and not transition those happy memories into hate or anger.”

After the autopsy is complete, Ricks’ will be given a police escort to a mortuary. He will then be laid to rest at a cemetery in Lehi. Several UTA employees escorted the body from Wyoming to Utah as a show of respect earlier this week. UTA Police also filled the family yard with American flags in tribute to Ricks.

"He’s a member of UTA, which employs 2,400 employees, and there’s not one of us that don’t have a heavy heart at this time," UTA Police Chief Fred Ross said earlier in the week.