A tragic road accident near Salt Lake City claimed the life of a senior officer from the Utah Department of Corrections on Sunday morning.
The incident has shocked the local law enforcement community and left family, friends, and colleagues mourning a heartbreaking loss. Authorities are still investigating what led to the fatal crash.
Sergeant Dies in Early Morning Crash
The accident took place just before 7:30 a.m. near 700 North 8000 West in Salt Lake City. According to Salt Lake City Police, a passerby noticed a damaged vehicle on the side of the road and quickly called 911 to report it.
When emergency teams reached the spot, they found that the vehicle had been involved in a serious rollover crash.
Victim Identified as Robert Hill
The driver was identified as 62-year-old Robert Hill. He was serving as a sergeant with the Utah Department of Corrections. Officials confirmed that he was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Preliminary reports suggest that Hill was driving south on 8000 West when his vehicle suddenly went off the road at a high speed. The car rolled over several times during the crash. Sadly, Hill was thrown out of the vehicle and was declared dead at the scene.
Department Calls It a ‘Profound Loss’
The Utah Department of Corrections expressed deep sorrow over Hill’s passing. In a statement shared with FOX 13 News, officials described his death as a “profound loss” for both the department and the wider law enforcement community.
Jared Garcia, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Corrections, offered his condolences in the statement. He said the department stands with Hill’s loved ones and colleagues during this extremely difficult time. The message highlighted how much Hill meant to those who worked alongside him.
Investigation Ongoing
At this time, the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Police are working to understand what led to the vehicle leaving the road and rolling over. More details may be shared once the investigation is complete.
The sudden passing of Sergeant Robert Hill has left a deep impact on his department and the community he served. His years of dedication to public service will be remembered by many.
As authorities continue to look into the circumstances of the crash, friends, family, and fellow officers are coming together to honour his life and legacy.