A somber mood has enveloped the Michigan State Police as they announce the death of one of their own, Tpr. Joel Popp, who was tragically killed during a traffic stop on I-75. According to a statement from MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II, 39-year-old Popp was investigating a suspected impaired driver when the fatal incident occurred.
On Wednesday evening, as Popp and his fellow troopers were conducting their duties on the highway, an elderly motorist collided with two patrol cars and struck Popp, who was outside of his vehicle. Despite being rushed to Hurley Medical Center, the trooper succumbed to his injuries. The 81-year-old driver involved in the incident sustained serious injuries but is expected to pull through, according to the State of Michigan.
Tpr. Popp, who began his service with MSP in 2020, graduated from the 137th Trooper Recruit School and has since served at the Tri-City Post. He leaves behind a wife, Stefanie, and a young daughter. Popp is now the 56th Michigan State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty, leaving a void in the law enforcement community that is felt across the state.
The MSP extended gratitude towards the police partners, emergency responders, and medical staff at Hurley Medical Center for their support and compassion during this tragedy. "This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Joel Popp," stated Col. Grady. He urged people to keep the fallen trooper's family and colleagues in their thoughts during this trying time, as per the State of Michigan.
