Hoffman v. Life Insurance Co. of North America

STEWART, Justice:

This is an action to recover on an accidental death insurance policy. The trial court denied recovery, ruling that the decedent’s death was not an accident. We reverse and remand.

I

On February 5, 1979, the decedent, Louis Hoffman, was shot and killed by Salt Lake City police officers. At the time of his death, Mr. Hoffman was insured against accidental death and dismemberment under a policy issued by the respondent, Life Insurance Company of North America (Company). The policy insured Mr. Hoffman “against loss resulting directly and independently of all other causes from…