Rigby Police said in a Facebook Post that Reserve Officer William “Bill” Gray died from his injuries on Monday night, Sept. 25.
“Some sad news has come across to us tonight, and we wish to say a few words about it,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. “Tonight, his body lost this fight. We would like to offer our condolences to his wife, April, and their loved one” the post states.
Gray was taken to the burn ward at the University of Utah Hospital where he remained unconscious. In the now viral video, Nurse Wubbels can be seen refusing to draw Gray’s blood for Salt Lake City Police without Gray’s consent or a warrant.
Detective Jeff Payne was the one who arrested Wubbles in the video that sparked outrage across the country.
Rigby Police Department said that Bill Gray was always willing to help people out.
“Bill was truly the best of mankind. Always willing to help, always willing to go the extra mile. Bill was a big man, with a bigger heart. Everything about him was generous and kind” the post said. “A man of selfless service. He was a man of kindness and heart, a man of dedication to not only his family but those in his community.”
The post closed with the words: “Let us all remember Bill, and let us live by his example so that we too may brighten the lives of those we come in contact with. We Love You Bill. Rest easy. You will be sorely missed on the watch.”
The shocking video that surfaced in August shows Wubbels explaining to police officer Payne the hospital policy stating that drawing a blood sample is not allowed without a warrant. Payne, who didn’t have a warrant, lost his patience and arrested the nurse.
Skordas assured reporters that he is not covering up his client’s wrongdoings.
“There is no question that Jeff made a mistake,” Skordas told KUTV. “I can understand the public being upset—this was a troubling event.”
Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Police Chief Mike Brown have both apologized for the incident.
