Autopsy is performed on man zapped by Taser

OREM — The state medical examiner conducted an autopsy Saturday on the body of a Springville man who died shortly after a he was zapped with a Taser while fighting with police.

Heber City police identified the man Saturday as Douglas G. Meldrum, 37. An official cause of death is still pending the medical examiner's investigation.

The officers involved in the fight with Meldrum attempted CPR when they saw he wasn't breathing. Meldrum was pronounced dead at Wasatch County Hospital by emergency room staff, Heber City Police Chief Ed Rhoades said Friday.

Wasatch County sheriff's deputies will also investigate the death.

On Saturday, Meldrum's family declined to be interviewed by the Deseret Morning News. However, his brother, Lance Meldrum, did release the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened and grief stricken to learn of our brother's death," the statement reads. "We understand the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office and the county attorney are investigating the circumstances of his death. At this point, we have nothing to say concerning this tragedy."

Meldrum is believed to be the first person in Utah to die after being jolted by the 50,000-volt electronic gun-like device, which is commonly known by the trademark name Taser. The weapon, which is marketed as a "non-lethal" device, is manufactured by Taser International of Arizona and is reportedly being used by more than 5,000 police departments in the U.S., including dozens of Utah agencies. Heber City police have been using the weapon since July.

About 70 people reportedly have died over the past four years after being shocked by the Taser's two barbed prongs, according to a study by the human rights group Amnesty International.

Rhoades said he believes Meldrum's death is unrelated to the use of a Taser by his officers because Meldrum continued to beat officers around the head after the weapon was deployed. Officers then had to use pepper-spray to further subdue Meldrum and take him into custody, Rhoades explained.

The struggle occurred after Meldrum, who was allegedly driving erratically east on U-189 in Provo Canyon, ignored efforts by police to pull him over. A short chase ensued in which Meldrum reportedly ran at least four traffic lights, finally leaving the road and stopping his pickup in a snow-covered field.