A Utah man shot by police after being caught stabbing his parents to death “enjoyed anything that was physically challenging,” according to his obituary.
Erik Bertelsen, 35, was killed by officers after they raided his parents’ home in West Valley City and discovered his involvement in the frenzied act against Terrie and Kerry Bertelsen.
The ordeal was captured on video by one of the officer’s body cameras and showed Bertelsen repeatedly cutting as the bodies of one of his parents lay hidden behind a couch.
His obituary portrays Bertelsen as a loving son and brother and makes no mention of his heinous crimes.
“Erik loved to tease and tease his big sister Jennifer, and enjoyed watching sports with his mother, father and brother,” the sign reads.
It is recorded that his skills as a handyman were “passed down by his father, Kerry Bertelsen.”
The announcement also describes his love for rap and hip-hop and talent for rapping and writing lyrics.
Erik Bertelsen was shot after he ignored orders to drop his knife
“Erik enjoyed anything that was physically challenging for him,” the obituary reads.
‘From an early age, Erik has played many sports, such as football, basketball and soccer. Erik also trained in boxing and weightlifting.
“He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys and you could always see him rocking the Dallas star in whatever outfit he wore. Erik will be loved and missed.”
It adds that he is survived by his siblings Jennifer Galloway and Easton Bertelsen.
The family also published obituaries for Bertelsen’s parents, speaking of their love for each other and their children.
“Terrie will be remembered for her love of desert camping, her devoted NFL fandom, her enthusiasm for Halloween, her great sense of humor and, most of all, her unconditional acceptance of others,” the post said.
“Terrie will be greatly missed but forever loved by all who knew her.”
“Kerry, a man who kept his word, would sacrifice many hours of his life to provide for his family,” the loving family man’s obituary reads.

Erik (bottom right) is seen in a photo with his late parents Terri and Kerry Bertelsen


Terrie, 63, (left) and Kerry Bertelsen, 67, (right) were identified as the victims of the horrific incident

Erik Bertelsen fatally stabbed his parents in their West Valley City home on January 1
“He was a wonderful father and grandfather who wanted nothing more than to spend time with his family members.
“He supported his children through every life event and never asked for anything in return.”
Police have not released any further information about what led to Bertelsen’s heinous actions.
They confirmed that they had previously been called to the home about problems in the home.
Roxeanne Vainuku, deputy communications director for West Valley City Police, said ABC4 that their department was forced to release the footage under Utah’s freedom of information laws.
“The suspect, who knelt and repeatedly stabbed one of the victims, ignored officers’ commands to show his hands and drop his weapon,” Deputy Chief Mike Fossmo said. “He continued to stab the victim.”
Fossmo confirmed that the officer involved in the shooting has since been placed on leave as per protocol.