Doyle Reed Thorne

"Uncommon Acts of Valor"

A Legacy of Duty

Sergeant Doyle Reed Thorne dedicated his life to serving others. Born in Brigham City, he served his country as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain.

Thorne joined the Utah Highway Patrol on July 16, 1975. In December 1988, he transferred to the Aero Bureau to pilot the Department of Public Safety helicopter. Over the next five years, he utilized his aviation skills to fly numerous search and rescue missions across the state, using his unique talents to safeguard lives.

End of Watch: July 30, 1994

On Saturday, July 30, 1994, Sergeant Thorne was called to assist in the search for a missing two-year-old girl in Duchesne County. Despite an unstable weather front generating thundershowers and strong micro-bursts of wind, he responded without hesitation.

After the young girl was safely located, Sergeant Thorne began his return flight to Salt Lake City. Encountering severe weather conditions in Indian Canyon, he radioed a distress call at 6:50 p.m., stating, "I'm having problems coming through the canyon. I'm below 10,000 feet. I'm losing power. I'm going into the trees." It was his final broadcast before disappearing from radar.

A massive search effort was immediately launched by multiple agencies. Three days later, the wreckage of the DPS helicopter was located in a grove of thick trees. Sergeant Thorne was killed in the crash.

A Community in Mourning

Sergeant Thorne's tragic death at the age of 52 deeply impacted his community and his fellow officers. A 19-year veteran of the Utah Highway Patrol, he gave his life while returning from a successful mission to rescue a child.

He was survived by his wife, Luci; two daughters and two sons. During his funeral on August 6, 1994, his brother summarized his selfless life and career, remembering him as "a common man who performed many uncommon acts of valor."

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