An American Fork police officer was killed Monday afternoon in a four-wheeling accident in the foothills above Pleasant Grove.
Killed was:James J. Stewart, 29, Pleasant Grove.
Stewart died when the four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle he was riding tipped over and landed on him about 4 p.m., according to Pleasant Grove police officer Kelly Liddiard. Stewart was attempting to maneuver a steep, snow-covered hill east of 1400 East at 340 North.
Stewart, who was off duty, was not wearing a helmet.
Pleasant Grove emergency services workers responded to the hillside. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We lost a good, loyal friend," said American Fork Police Chief John Durrant. He described Stewart as warm and caring, "a joy to be around."
Stewart joined the American Fork Police Department five years ago. He previously was an officer at the University of Utah.
Stewart worked with children at Barratt Elementary School through the DARE program. "He was a good DARE officer. He liked the kids," Durrant said.
Married only a few months ago, Stewart and his wife, Tiffany, were expecting their first child. They recently bought a house in Pleasant Grove below the hillside where he died.
Stewart was an outspoken member of the police department during its yearlong flap with Mayor Jess Green. The officer defended his peers and his boss during some heated City Council meetings.