NJ State Police: Trooper Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle On I-295
WEST DEPTFORD, N.J., (CBS) -- New Jersey State Police say a Trooper has died after he was struck by a vehicle on Monday night.
Around 8:15 p.m. Monday, New Jersey State Police say 31-year-old Trooper Sean Cullen, had responded to the scene of a crash on southbound 295, milepost 23.4 in Deptford Township.
#BREAKING: @NJSP confirm Trpr Sean Cullen, 31, has died after being struck on I-295 last night; was stationed in Bellmawr, & served 2 years
— Justin Finch (@JustinFinchCBS3) March 8, 2016
State Police say Tpr. Cullen was walking near that crash, where there was an active car fire and several fire and police vehicles with emergency lights on, when a vehicle struck him as it was passing the scene.
State Police say the 22-year-old female driver stopped immediately and cooperated with investigators.
Tpr. Cullen sustained severe injuries to his head and was airlifted to Cooper hospital in Camden, according to State Police.
State Police say his family members and numerous troopers and law enforcement personnel from several different agencies held a vigil late into the night at the hospital.
Doctors pronounced him dead shortly after 12:30 a.m., according to State Police.
Tpr. Cullen was a member of the 154th State Police Class. He was stationed at Bellmawr Station and had been a trooper about two years.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released the following statement:
"Every day, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police put their lives on the line to protect our citizens. The sudden and tragic loss of New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen reminds us how fragile life truly is and the dangers police officers face daily on the job. As we mourn his passing, Mary Pat and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Trooper Cullen's loved ones and his New Jersey State Police family during this sad time."
My statement on the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen: pic.twitter.com/lWy8YNHf1b
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) March 8, 2016
New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney also issued the following statement on Trooper Cullen:
'The tragic death of Trooper Sean Cullen is a terrible reminder that the men and women who serve to protect us put their lives on the line every day. Trooper Cullen gave his life in the line of duty and in service to others."
My deepest condolences to @NJSP Trooper Cullen's family. Such a tragic, senseless loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
— Steve Sweeney (@NJSenatePres) March 8, 2016
State Police say there have been no charges or tickets against the driver that struck Trooper Cullen.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
