A Washington state trooper was killed early Saturday morning when a speeding vehicle struck his patrol car while searching for people driving under the influence on Interstate 5, authorities said.
According to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27, was driving southbound on Interstate 5 near Marysville just before 3 a.m. when his SUV crashed. He veered off the road, crashed onto the shoulder of the road, and was killed when he collided with a parked police car. The driver of the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed when the collision occurred.
“Chris’s death is a devastating loss to his family,” said Washington State Patrol (WSP) Chief John R. Kennedy. He has provided that public service with courage and immeasurable sacrifice.” Batiste.
A second vehicle, a van carrying six passengers, was also involved in the accident. FOX13 Seattle report. The van reportedly collided with an SUV, and the driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No other passengers in the van were injured.
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Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27, served for two and a half years. He is survived by his wife and daughter, parents, sister and other family members. (Washington State Patrol)
The driver of the SUV that hit Gadd’s patrol car has been identified as a 32-year-old man from Lynnwood, police said. He was evaluated and taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide.
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Gadd’s father is also a Washington State Patrol trooper, and his sister is a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety. (Washington State Patrol)
According to the State Patrol, Gadd is survived by his wife Camryn, daughter Kaylin, his mother, his father, who is also a WSP trooper, and his sister, who is currently a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The driver accused of hitting Gadd’s patrol car has been identified as a 32-year-old Lynwood man. He was being held on suspicion of vehicular homicide. (Washington State Patrol)
Gadd worked at WSP for two and a half years. He was the 33rd member of the WSP to die in the line of duty in its 103 years.
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“I can say that across the Washington State Patrol, we all bow our heads, we all bend our knees, and we all are heartbroken as we mourn this loss,” Batiste said.
