A popular local photographer who was also a Utah corrections officer was killed in an accident last week while riding his motorcycle.

Police reports show that Marvell “Vel” Smith, 40, was riding his motorcycle in Riverton early Wednesday morning. He was riding along 12600 South, but suddenly collided with another vehicle. He crashed into the side of the other vehicle. Smith was thrown from his bike in the impact of the crash. Even though Smith was wearing a helmet, he was unable to recover from the extensive injuries that he sustained in the accident.

Smith was mourned by his community. They mourned for the man who had been a major part of the community for many years by putting flowers and other memorabilia at the site where the crash occurred. Friends who spoke about Smith said that he was important to the town of Riverton, Utah, and much loved by friends and locals. Lindsy Halladay, a former coworker of Smith’s, said that “Anyone that Marvell knew would be affected (by his death) because he was just a really outgoing, loving guy. It’s definitely been a shock and tragedy.”

Smith was described as being one of the best photographers in the area. He was working on several different photography projects when he died. A few other photographers who knew Smith have decided to step in and finish those projects. A portion of the income that is made from those projects will go to Smith’s family. He had two young sons.

Smith was a renowned photographer, but he also worked at the Utah Corrections Facility where he would transport inmates back and forth from their medical appointments. Even the inmates who Smith interacted with remembered him as being a nice man.

The Unified Police Department’s Crash Analysis and Reconstruction team has been working to figure out what happened. Police have not publically stated whether or not drugs or alcohol were contributing factors to causing the crash. They have also chosen to not yet release the name of the other driver involved in the accident.

Further investigation will be turned over to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. The office will then determine whether or not charges will be filed.

The aftermath of an accident can be incredibly difficult to deal with. There are many factors to contend with and if a friend, family member, or loved one has died, it becomes an even greater tragedy. Accident victims and their families should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can take over all of the legal matters surrounding the accident and pursue compensatory damages.

Not only is the accident itself and getting treatment stressful, but as medical bills add up and this is coupled with time away from work, pain and suffering, property damage, and other stressors start accumulating, it can become overwhelming. An attorney who has experience handling motorcycle accident cases will be able to help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.

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