Box Elder County will not file charges against a teenage driver whose car fatally struck Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Ellsworth in November.
The conclusion of the investigation of the Nov. 18 incident showed that the teen was not at fault, according to a Monday news release from the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office.
Ellsworth, 31, was stopped near 13600 North on State Road 13 in Garland at about 9:45 p.m. that night, trying to alert the driver of a semitrailer truck about a downed power line so the driver wouldn't snag it.
The trooper, who was critically injured, died four days later.
Though the speed of the teen's vehicle was a factor in Ellsworth's death, the release said, the county attorney determined that the teen was operating the vehicle within the posted speed limit and did not violate any other traffic laws.
"There is no evidence the juvenile acted with any criminal intent," the release said.
There was also no evidence of distracted driving "by use of a cell phone or otherwise," and there was no evidence the teen was impaired, the release said.
"This was a tragic accident that has affected both families," the release said. "Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers continue to be with them."
Ellsworth's name was added to the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial on the west side of the State Capitol building last week, along with the names of other officers who have been killed on duty.
mnoble@sltrib.com
Twitter: @mnoblenews