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The state Department of Public Safety is suffering through one of its toughest times with the loss of one of its own this week.
Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Ellsworth died late Tuesday night, four days after he was struck by a car as he directed traffic at the scene of a downed power line in Box Elder County.
The 32-year-old father of three passed away with his family at his side at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, according to UHP Sgt. Todd Royce.
"It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that the Utah Highway Patrol confirms the passing Trooper Eric Ellsworth," UHP said in a statement. "Our thoughts and love go to his wife [Janica] and their three young boys."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
At a news conference Wednesday, an emotional DPS Commissioner Keith Squires said he appreciated the outpouring of support since the accident and asked Utahns to take the time to thank the men and women in law enforcement.
"We've lost too many friends over the years who have been serving our great state with honor and courage," Squires said.
He also said, "It never gets any easier."
Ellsworth had been in "very critical" condition at the hospital since Nov. 18, when he was flown by helicopter from the scene of the accident, near 13600 North on State Road 13 in the town of Garland.
The trooper was trying to alert the driver of a semitrailer truck to go around the power line when a southbound car driven by a teenage girl hit him just before 10 p.m., according to the UHP. The girl was not hurt, and the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Ellsworth's supervisor, Lt. Lee Perry, said the trooper's fellow officers and family members hold no ill will toward the teenager, saying that "we understand this was an accident and we hope ... that's she's OK."
UHP Col. Mike Rapich said the highway patrol has lost a hero.
"This is a hard day," Rapich said. "The Utah Highway Patrol has suffered a tremendous blow."
Rapich said earlier Wednesday that "the overwhelming hurt and sorrow that each of us feel is an absolute testimony to how much we loved and looked up to Eric. We will always miss him, he will always be with us, and we will never forget him."
Ellsworth, a Utah native, was a seven-year veteran of UHP who served two years in Green River before transferring to Brigham City, where he patrolled northern Utah. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Ron, who served in the highway patrol for about 30 years.
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert called Ellsworth "an exceptional second generation UHP trooper who cared deeply for his young family" and a "committed public servant [who] paid the ultimate sacrifice while keeping others safe from harm."
The governor ordered that U.S. and state flags be lowered to half mast throughout Utah on the day of Ellsworth's funeral.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes also offered his condolences, saying that, "We pray today for the family of Trooper Ellsworth that his loved ones may find comfort in the legacy of service and honor he leaves behind."
On Tuesday afternoon, Ellsworth's brother-in-law, Jason Moyes, said the trooper was an Eagle Scout and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Winnipeg mission. He also said his brother-in-law loved his job.
"Eric loves the officers he works with and is dedicated to the responsibility of protecting and serving the members and visitors of this state," Moyes said a news conference at Intermountain Medical Center.
Moyes also said the family knows "this was a tragic accident."
"Collectively as a family, we want this young lady to know of our love for her," he said. "Our prayers have been there for you and your family."
The family has gotten inquiries from the public about how to help, Moyes said. He said Janica Ellsworth has an online blog that allows her to stay home with her sons and that any purchases made by clicking through the links at utahdealdiva.com will help the family.
In addition, he said, donations are being accepted at America First Credit Union under the name "Eric Ellsworth Family Charitable Account."
The Utah 1033 Foundation already has made a $50,000 donation to the family for immediately financial needs and to establish an educational trust fund.
"This is a difficult time for our community and for this family," said Tore Steen, a founder of the non-profit organization. "We know that finances are not at the forefront of these families' minds, but we hope that our contribution can provide some relief during this hardship."
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