Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Ellsworth has died after being critically injured while on duty.
He was hit by a car while warning drivers about a downed power line last Friday.
An account has been set up for Eric's family at America First Credit Union called the “Eric Ellsworth Charitable Account.”
Wednesday, hundreds of American flags decorated the lawns outside of UHP headquarters. His coworkers spoke Wednesday about the fallen officer.
“I had the honor and privilege of being Eric's lieutenant for the last five years, more importantly, I had the opportunity to be his friend,” said Lt. Lee Perry.
Perry and other members of the department shared emotional memories of Eric after announcing his death.
“This is one of the toughest things I've been involved with since I've been the commissioner in my 30 year career,” said Utah DP Commissioner Keith Squires.
Col. Michael Rapich said Ellsworth was a beloved part of their agency.
“He loved his brothers and sisters with the Utah highway Patrol, he loved his community,” he said.
The Utah Highway Patrol sent Fox 13 this statement:
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. On Friday, November 18, while responding to a call of low hanging power lines near Garland City, Trooper Eric Ellsworth was struck by a vehicle and critically injured.
Trooper Ellsworth dedicated 7 years of his life to the Utah Highway Patrol. His first two years were spent in Green River. He spent his final 5 years in Section 1 helping and serving the people of Box Elder County and Northern Utah. Our thoughts and love go to his wife and their three young boys.
The following message from Commissioner Keith D. Squires was shared with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) family following the news of Trooper Eric Ellsworth’s passing:
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Ellsworth
My heart aches this morning as I share with you the sad news that our brother, Trooper Eric Ellsworth has passed away as a result of his injuries sustained last Friday, November 18. The service our troopers provide is critical to the safety and quality of life that all of us enjoy throughout our great state. Eric represented the finest example of our Utah Highway Patrol team. He will be remembered for his great professionalism, courage, the very caring way he provided his service to help those in need and for his smile and genuine friendship to those he served with. His father Ron was also a trooper, who’s great example guided Eric so honorably to follow in his footsteps.
I want to thank you all for your concern and prayers for Eric and his loving family. My words can’t adequately describe how much we will miss Eric, but I can confidently assure you that we will never forget him, his dedicated service and his dear family who will carry on his amazing legacy. Please keep his wife, Janica, and their three wonderful sons in your prayers. Our love and support is especially needed at this time. Our thoughts and prayers of comfort are also with the young lady who was involved in this accident.
I’m so grateful for the men and women who serve bravely in our UHP in often very dangerous situations. Please know how we all stand with you and appreciate you as we honor Eric’s inspiring life of service and solemnly mourn his passing. To all of my DPS family, it’s incredible to see all you are doing to help Eric’s family. Thank you for showing how much you care. Please be well and safe.
Commissioner Keith D. Squires
It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I write this email. On Friday, November 18, while responding to a call of low hanging power lines near Garland City, Trooper Eric Ellsworth was struck by a vehicle and critically injured. Late last night, after a long fight, he succumbed to his injuries surrounded by his family and and fellow troopers.
Trooper Ellsworth was 32 years old and loved by his wife Janica with their three sons, his immediate family, his mother and his father, retired trooper Ron Ellsworth.
Eric dedicated the last 7 years of his life to the Utah Highway Patrol and serving the state of Utah. His first two years were spent in Section 9, Green River, and he spent his final 5 years in Section 1 helping and serving the people of Box Elder County and Northern Utah. Our thoughts and love are with Eric, and his family.
The passing of Eric has brought to focus the commitment and dedication of the law enforcement and public safety family. The outpouring of support our department has received has been profound. Not only has it been noticed by our Troopers and staff, but by the Ellsworth family, too. Thank you for your continued support. The overwhelming hurt and sorrow that each of us feel is an absolute testimony to how much we loved and looked up to Eric. He continues to be giant and a hero among us. We will always miss him, he will always be with us, and we will never forget him.
Many of you have asked how you can help. An account at America First Credit Union has been set up for Eric’s family: “Eric Ellsworth Charitable Account.”
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the Ellsworth family during this difficult time.
Thank you,
Colonel Mike Rapich
