Phillip Ortiz, CHP officer was 48 *

The California Highway Patrol is confirming for media that Officer Ortiz died at 5:50 p.m. KTLA's news desk had posted earlier that he died and it tweeted it out, then had to pull back the report — but not before several other media had run with it without checking. Ortiz is the motorcycle officer who was struck June 9 during a traffic stop on the northbound 405 by a car driving on the shoulder near the Palms bridge.

Ortiz spent 28 years with the CHP and had worked in the West Los Angeles area for more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife, parents and large extended family. "On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I extend our deepest sympathies to Philip's family and loved ones as they mourn the tragic loss of this outstanding officer,'' Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

* Earlier version gave his age as 52

Photo: KTLA.com