West
Utah police officer killed by semi-truck driver during traffic stop identified: ‘Died a hero’
A Utah police officer has been identified after he was killed early Sunday when the driver of a semi-truck allegedly fled a traffic stop and struck the officer on a highway.
Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, 50, was remembered as a “top-notch officer” and a hero as colleagues and family spoke during an emotional press conference on Monday.
“Just on a personal note, I know everybody says this when an officer gets killed,” said Santaquin Police Chief Rod Hurst, “but Sgt. Hooser was one of those guys that was really squared away.”
Hooser is survived by his wife of 29 years, two daughters and one granddaughter.
WIFE OF SLAIN DEPUTY US MARSHAL SPEAKS OF SUSPECT PUBLICLY FOR FIRST TIME: ‘NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE’
Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser is survived by his wife of 29 years, two daughters and a granddaughter. Hooser began his career in law enforcement eight years ago, and was promoted to sergeant earlier this year. (Santaquin Police Department / Help A Hero)
Hooser’s brother Michael said the family was devastated and thanked the community for showing love and support.
“Nothing could ever make up for the loss we feel,” Michael said. “We take comfort in knowing Bill died a hero, doing the job he loved, serving people he loved.”
Michael said his brother began his career in law enforcement later in life, starting out as an unpaid volunteer. Hurst said Hooser first joined the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico eight years ago before returning to his native Utah and joining the Santaquin Police Department.
Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, was arrested in connection to the fatal traffic stop after authorities say he led officers on a short pursuit in a stolen pickup truck near Vernal, Utah. (Utah Department of Public Safety)
Hooser was killed Sunday while helping a Utah Highway Patrol trooper conduct a traffic stop on a big rig along Interstate 15 after receiving a 911 call reporting an individual on top of the back of a semi-trailer.
The truck driver fled the traffic stop, pulling an abrupt U-turn and intentionally striking Hooser, Hooser’s vehicle and a UHP patrol vehicle, Spanish Fork Police Lt. Cory Slaymaker said. Hooser died at the scene.
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE TROOPER DIES AT HEADQUARTERS DURING TRAINING FOR ELITE UNIT
Police identified the truck driver as 41-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne.
Slaymaker said Jayne fled on foot to a nearby convenience store, where he stole another semi-truck. The truck was recovered in Mona, Utah, where the suspect was believed to have stolen a Ford pickup truck. Jayne allegedly drove the stolen pickup to Mt. Pleasant, where he ditched the vehicle and stole another Ford F150 pickup truck.
Jayne crashed a stolen pickup truck, pictured above, before his arrest, police said. Jayne allegedly stole multiple vehicles after authorities say he struck and killed a police officer with a semi-truck during a traffic stop early Sunday. (FOX13 Salt Lake City KSTU)
Jayne was later found near Vernal, about 100 miles from where the fatal traffic stop occurred, driving the stolen pickup truck, police said. After a short chase, police said Jayne crashed the stolen pickup and was taken into custody.
CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Read the full article from Here
Montana
Miley Cyrus Debuts Hannah Montana-Inspired Hair Transformation to Tease 20th Anniversary Plans
Though she hasn’t revealed what a celebration of the show’s legacy would look like, she did share why it’s so important for there to be one at all.
“For me, I love looking back at the growth for both of us because it’s very rare that someone grows up with their fanbase,” she explained. “When I was 15 years old, I’d look out and see 15-year-olds and now I’m a grown woman, I look out and see other grown people. So, what I want to do is honor the longevity of the relationship that we built.”
Having earned a Disney Legend award last year for her iconic role, the LOL star emphasized how the double-life pop star was so much more than a TV show character.
“Hannah Montana, it outgrew the fantasy,” she continued. “It became the reality of my life. Something that was about a regular girl getting to have this extraordinary life by being someone that she’s not and then turning my life and having this life because of being who I really am and authenticity. So getting to celebrate that—20 years is a long time.”
For a look back at Miley’s life from ordinary girl to rock star, read on…
Oregon has found its next Australian punter.
Bailey Ettridge, who averaged 44.66 yards on 47 punts at Nevada this season, committed to transfer to the Ducks on Sunday. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
From Lara, Australia, Ettridge had 15 punts over 50 yards and 18 inside opponents’ 20-yard lines this season. He also had two carries for 26 yards, both of which converted fourth downs.
Ettridge replaces James Ferguson-Reynolds, who is averaging 41.64 yards on 33 punts for UO this season. Ferguson-Reynolds and Ross James are both out of eligibility after the season.
Ettridge is the first scholarship transfer to Oregon this offseason and his addition gives the Ducks 81 projected scholarship players in 2026. He is the lone punter presently on the roster.
No. 1 Indiana (14-0) vs. No. 5 Oregon (13-1)
- When: Friday, January 9
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
- Where: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- TV: ESPN and ABC
- Stream: You can watch this game on DIRECTV (free trial) or with Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Utah has passed away in his sleep unexpectedly Saturday in New Mexico, according to a news release from The Church.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died from a medical cause that has not been determined, Church spokesman Sam Penrod said in a statement.
According to The Church, Martin had been serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission since May 2024. He was from Salem, Utah.
Elder Caleb Gene Martin, 21, died in his sleep on Jan. 3 from a medical cause that has yet to be determined. He was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” the statement said.
According to the release, an autopsy is planned.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Long-time Michigan assistant coach is reportedly retained under Kyle Whittingham
Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition acquires 70 acres to protect Farley Ledges – Greenfield Recorder
Minnesota investigators say child care centers captured in viral video were operating as expected
Two more Mississippi State players announce decision to enter portal
KSR’s top takeaways from Kentucky’s 22-point win over Missouri
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Dan Bongino officially leaves FBI deputy director role after less than a year, returns to ‘civilian life’
Hundreds march in silence to honour Crans-Montana fire victims
Here’s a partial list of U.S. elected officials opposing Trump’s invasion of Venezuela
Crans Montana organises solemn march for the victims • FRANCE 24 English
Kamala Harris blasts Trump administration’s capture of Venezuela’s Maduro as ‘unlawful and unwise’
-
Entertainment1 week agoHow the Grinch went from a Yuletide bit player to a Christmas A-lister
-
World7 days agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
Business1 week agoGoogle is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
-
World1 week agoSnoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Huntr/x and Andrea Bocelli Deliver Christmas-Themed Halftime Show for Netflix’s NFL Lions-Vikings Telecast
-
World1 week agoBest of 2025: Top five defining moments in the European Parliament
-
Politics1 week agoMost shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’