Patrolman George Van Wagonen succumbed to injuries received when he fell onto a large circular saw during a stolen vehicle investigation. The saw severed his right side causing massive internal injuries. He succumbed to those injuries later in the day.
Patrolman Van Wagonen was the first full-time patrol officer hired for the Utah Highway Patrol. He had served with the Utah Highway Patrol for three years and had been in law enforcement for six years. He was survived by his wife.
