Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Family, Friends, Colleagues Remember Fallen Trooper

Utah State Trooper Eric Ellsworth was remembered Wednesday during a public funeral at Weber State University. The 31-year-old was struck by a vehicle last Tuesday that left him in critical condition for four days before he died.

Dedicated, persistent and fun were the words used to describe Trooper Eric Ellsworth. He always wanted to do more, and help more. But he was also a jokester, who was quick to lighten the mood.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert offered his condolences to Ellsworth’s family, and praised the second generation highway patrolman for his service.

“Eric truly does represent the very best that society has to offer,” the Governor said. “He’s a hero. A hometown hero.”

Ellsworth was hit by an oncoming car on November 18th when he stopped to help with a downed power line in Box Elder County.

Ellsworth served on the Utah Highway Patrol for seven years. His supervisor, Sgt. Shane Nebeker said he was never one to slack.

“In fact there were several times we would be working, getting our butts kicked on a snow day. If we were taking a bunch of accidents, Eric would always call me and apologize because he didn’t think he was doing enough,” Nebeker said. “He always wanted to be in the middle doing something.”

Ellsworth is survived by three young children and his wife Janica Ellsworth. Ellsworth tearfully recalled what she described as their simple, happy life.

“Who will I watch our shows with on Netflix after the kids go to bed?” Ellsworth said. “And who will take so much joy in scaring me and chasing me up the stairs? I asked our boys what they miss most about you and they all agreed they miss everything. And I do to.

Eric Ellsworth was buried at the Brigham City Cemetery following Wednesday’s service. 

Whittney Evans grew up southern Ohio and has worked in public radio since 2005. She has a communications degree from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky, where she learned the ropes of reporting, producing and hosting. Whittney moved to Utah in 2009 where she became a reporter, producer and morning host at KCPW. Her reporting ranges from the hyper-local issues affecting Salt Lake City residents, to state-wide issues of national interest. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the guitar and getting to know the breathtaking landscape of the Mountain West.
KUER is listener-supported public radio. Support this work by making a donation today.