This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper continued to fight for his life on Monday, three days after being struck down by a car while he was assisting at the scene of a Box Elder County emergency.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith D. Squires confirmed that Trooper Eric Ellsworth "remains in very critical condition." Squires thanked the public and law enforcement community for its ongoing "prayers and support to his family."

A 7-year UHP veteran, Ellsworth lives in Brigham City with his wife and three young sons. He is a second-generation trooper, following in his father's footsteps.

Ellsworth was stopped near 13600 North on State Road 13 in Garland just before 10 p.m. Friday, when a southbound car driven by a teenage girl hit him.

The girl was unhurt. The cause of the accident remained under investigation.

Ellsworth was flown by helicopter to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, where he remained in intensive care on Monday.

An account has been set up for the Ellsworth's family at America First Credit Union under the name, "Eric Ellsworth Family Charitable Account."

Twitter: @remims