Questions persist in fire chief's death

OREM — Initial medical reports indicate that Saratoga Springs Police Chief Michael Penovich drowned after his truck veered off U.S. 189 and into Deer Creek Reservoir the morning of July 5.

Penovich, 38, was driving back to Saratoga Springs after looking into purchasing a water tanker from Heber City.

Reports don't indicate why Penovich suddenly veered off the road, nor do they find "any apparent medical problems that could have led to his inability to travel," said Utah Highway Patrol trooper Preston Raban.

Penovich was trapped underwater in his truck for nearly an hour before a scuba team could pull his body out of the mangled truck, which was found about 10 feet from shore and 50 feet underwater.

Raban said Penovich wasn't observed to have any injuries from going through the rail and falling down a 75-foot cliff before plummeting into the water. He was wearing his seat belt.

"There was no indication of major trauma," he said.

The truck, which had a severely damaged hood and crushed front-left side, was pulled up by a salvage crew around 2 p.m.

A toxicology report is still pending, per policy, though officials have no reason to suspect drugs or alcohol were factor in the accident, Raban said.

Penovich's funeral is today at noon in the American Fork Tabernacle on 110 E. Main. A viewing will be from 9 to 11 a.m., and both are open to the public.

Funds have been established for Penovich's family at any Bank of American Fork or Zions Bank branch in Penovich's name.