KTVX photojournalist Tracy Smith died Monday, 11 days after he was hit by a pickup truck while covering a story. He was 61.
According to police, Smith stepped into the road at the intersection of State Route 209 and State Route 210 on April 6 and was hit by a truck, suffering severe head injuries.
“Tracy had an extremely positive influence in our newsroom, always lifting up those around him and giving out accolades to all his co-workers. He was truly one of a kind, with a sweet spirit and infectious personality. He was one of the hardest workers in the industry and truly loved what he did,” the station wrote on its website. “Tracy will be remembered most for his storytelling, both on and off the air. He enjoyed reminiscing about his military service, the great people of the state of Utah, and all his experiences through the years.”
Smith worked at KUTV from 1986 until 2003 in production and creative services. He joined KTVX—the Nexstar-owned ABC affiliate in Salt Lake—in 2011 as a promotions producer, before working on the digital team, and then working as a photojournalist.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending.