The family of a Utah Highway Patrol officer who was critically injured on Friday after a car hit him as he was directing traffic spoke out on Tuesday, addressing the trooper’s medical status and offering forgiveness to the teenager responsible.
Jason Moyes, brother-in-law of gravely injured trooper Eric Ellsworth, said in a statement to the public that the family fully forgives the 16-year-old girl who hit Ellsworth, and that she’s in their thoughts and prayers — a powerful message showcasing the true nature of forgiveness amid painful tragedy.
Trooper Ellsworth remains in very critical condition and fighting for his life. Our thanks to all for your prayers and support to his family https://t.co/YMgznGmW3o
— Commissioner Squires (@SquiresDPS) November 21, 2016
“We know that was a tragic accident that affected so many individuals. We also know this accident greatly affected the life of a young lady,” Moyes said, according to Deseret News. “Collectively as a family, we want this young lady to know of our love for her. Our prayers have been there for you and your family.”
He continued, “We are so grateful for the immediate feelings of forgiveness and love toward you. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”
Commissioner Keith D. Squires of the Utah Department of Public Safety also tweeted his support for the young girl in recent days, writing, “Thanks for the amazing support and prayers for Trooper Ellsworth. My prayers include comfort for the young driver involved. We care.”
Moyes praised Ellsworth, calling him a “fighter” who routinely stands for what he believes in — and a man who is right now fighting hard “for his very life” as he remains in “extremely critical” condition.
“He sustained injuries while serving, protecting and standing at his post doing what he was called to do as a member of the Utah Highway Patrol,” he said, speaking of the injuries Ellsworth sustained on Friday while trying to get vehicles to avoid a traffic hazard. “This is what Eric did and that is who Eric is. He stands tall in places he’s asked to be.”
These comments were made to the press on Tuesday, with a transcript of the touching remarks later published on the Intermountain Healthcare website. In his statement, Moyes also described Ellsworth as husband, father of three young boys and a Mormon with a deep faith in God.
Thanks for the amazing support and prayers for Trooper Ellsworth. My prayers include comfort for the young driver involved. We care.
— Commissioner Squires (@SquiresDPS) November 20, 2016
“Today Eric stands tall in a different place under different circumstances. He stands now where his Heavenly Father has asked him to stand,” Moyes continued. “We as a family are witnesses to that assignment and how he is faithfully standing tall.”
He said the family’s faith isn’t “dependent on outcomes” and that they trust God to do what’s in his will. Read the statement in its entirety here.
(H/T: Deseret News)
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