Just before 3 a.m. today, Washington State Trooper Christopher M. Gadd was allegedly hit by a driver on southbound I-5 near Marysville while working, according to WSP. He died at the scene. Authorities said the suspect was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck Gadd’s patrol vehicle.
Washington State Patrol Press Release Re: Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Our Washington State Patrol trooper tragically lost in the line of duty this morning has been identified as Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, a 27-year-old dedicated father, son, brother, and friend. His name was announced during a 1:30 p.m. press conference held in Marysville.
Trooper Gadd was killed early this morning after being struck by a motorist on southbound Interstate 5 near 136th Street North in Marysville. He served two-and-a-half years with the WSP.
Trooper Gadd, 27, is survived by his wife, Cammryn, daughter Kaelyn, father WSP Trooper David Gadd, mother Gillian, sister, Jacqueline who currently serves as a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety, and many other family members, friends and colleagues.
Trooper Gadd is the 33rd member of the WSP to die in the line of duty in the agency’s 103 years of service to this state.
Trooper Gadd was born on Sept. 28, 1996, in Pasco, Wash. He graduated from Kentlake High School in Kent, Wash., before attending Green River College and Tacoma Community College, earning his Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) certification. Trooper Gadd married his wife Cammryn on Jan. 11, 2020. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kaelyn Rebecca, on Jan. 31, 2022.
This promising young man began working for the WSP on Sept. 16, 2021, as a trooper cadet assigned to Grandview. He joined the 116th Trooper Basic Training Class (TBTC) on April 18, 2022. He successfully graduated later that year on Nov. 16 and was assigned to serve in Marysville.
While at the academy, Trooper Gadd received the Top Academic Award that recognizes the outstanding efforts of the cadet who attains the highest grade point average compiled in the more than 30 exams necessary for graduation.
“Chris’s passing is a devastating loss to his family – a family who knows all too well the risks of public service but still has offered that service with unquestioned valor and now, unfathomable sacrifice,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “I can tell you that across the entire Washington State Patrol, every head is bowed, every knee is bent, and every heart is broken as we mourn this loss. To honor Chris, even in sorrow, we will go on. We will continue to serve. Because he did, we must.”
The WSP appreciates both the media and public’s honoring of the family’s privacy at this time. After consultation with the family, the WSP will make information available in the days to come on service and memorial planning.
We will never forget Trooper Christopher M. Gadd #927
Washington State Patrol Press Release
WSP trooper killed in line of duty on I-5 near Marysville
MARYSVILLE, Wash. – With the heaviest of hearts, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) confirms the line-of-duty loss of one of our agency’s troopers this morning.
Our trooper was tragically killed when struck by a motorist just before 3 a.m. today on southbound
Interstate 5 near 136th Street North (milepost 203) in Marysville.
There is a heavy law enforcement and first-responder presence at the scene, which will continue for many hours. All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in the area of the scene remain closed at this time as the investigation continues. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes until the scene is cleared.
WSP Chief John R. Batiste and other WSP command staff will provide additional details and remarks at the WSP Marysville Headquarters Office located at 2700 116h Street Northeast later today. The time for the press conference will be announced through a subsequent media alert and on our social media platforms.
This marks the 33d line of duty death for the WSP. We mourn the loss of all the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our state and to public safety. Today, we hold a special place in our hearts for the families and colleagues of our fallen this morning.
Allegedly hit??