UHP Trooper who fell from overpass in stable condition with long road to recovery

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Department of Public Safety said the Utah Highway Patrol Trooper who fell from an overpass on Tuesday, Feb. 13, is in stable condition and expected to recover.

DPS officials identified the trooper as Trooper Steve “Odie” Myer, who has served a variety of assignments with the Utah Highway Patrol over a 34-year career.

Utah included in multistate listeria outbreak leading to Costco, Trader Joe’s product recalls

Myer was injured on Tuesday while assisting the Salt Lake City Police Department stop a suspect who fled during a drug investigation on Tuesday, Feb. 13. As Myer was deploying a spike strip to deflate the suspect’s tires, he fell from an overpass near 7200 West near I-80 onto a dirt road below. A DPS helicopter landed to take Myer to a local hospital in serious condition.

“He will have a long road to recovery but is expected to recover from this incident,” DPS said in a press release. “Due to his serious injuries further medical treatment will be required. Trooper Myer has had amazing medical staff who are seeing to his ongoing care.”

Over his career, Myer has worked a range of assignments including security detail for former Gov. Mike Leavitt, traffic planning for the 2002 Winter Olympics and as an Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor.

Myer had retired from the Utah Highway Patrol in 2006 but later returned in 2010. Since his return from retirement, Myer has served as UHP motors coordinator helping to direct motors enforcement and activities around Utah.

“Trooper Myer is recognized throughout the state as a leading expert in motor officer training, high-profile escorts, and motorcycle enforcement operations,” said DPS.

UHP said it was thankful to everyone who assisted Myer in his time of need and their quick actions that helped get him immediate life-saving care.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.