A Michigan State Police trooper was struck and killed by a car while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 75, as confirmed by authorities. Trooper Joel Popp, 39, was addressing a suspected impaired driver on Wednesday night when the incident occurred.
"This is a message none of us wishes to deliver," Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, said in a somber acknowledgement of the tragedy. He implored the public to "keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts," as reported by Atlanta News First. The accident took place around 7:12 p.m., when an 81-year-old man, navigating a bend in the road, lost control and collided with two patrol cars, as well as Popp.
Following the collision, Popp was promptly transported to Hurley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The elderly driver responsible for the fatal mishap sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive, according to details obtained by People.
Popp, whose tenure with the Michigan State Police began in January of 2020 and who graduated from the 137th Trooper Recruit School, devoted his service entirely to the Tri-City Post. He leaves behind his wife Stefanie and a young daughter. The law enforcement officer is now the 56th Michigan State Police Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Michigan State Police expressed gratitude towards the officers, emergency responders, and medical professionals who provided aid and continue to support their department. They thanked Hurley Medical Center's staff for their "care and compassion" during such a harrowing time for the department and Popp's family.
