This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A corrections officer died Wednesday when his motorcycle collided with a sewer truck Wednesday morning in Riverton.
Marvell Smith, 40, of Herriman, was riding east on 12600 South near 4400 West about 7:45 a.m. when the truck pulled out of the South Valley Sewer District and turned left, said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal.
Smith crashed into the side of the truck, Hoyal said. Smith was wearing his helmet and other protective gear but died from his injuries, Hoyal said.
Smith had been a corrections officer for the state of Utah for 16 years, said Steve Gehrke, spokesman for the Department of Corrections. He most recently was working as an adult probation and parole officer, supervising drug offenders, Gehrke said. Previously, he was a transportation officer and a SWAT officer at the Utah State Prison in Draper.
Gehrke said Smith was a man of many talents, speaking four languages and working as a freelance photographer specializing in weddings.
Smith also had two sons.
"He cared a ton about those kids," Gehrke said. "Our hearts go out to Marvell's family and friends, along with the many people throughout our Corrections family who ever had the pleasure of working alongside him. Today, our entire agency is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and father. We will miss him terribly."
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