MSP Trooper killed after being run over, dragged 3 miles

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A Michigan State Police trooper has died after he was run over and dragged on I75 in north Oakland County.

Michigan State Police announced around 5:45 Friday night that Chad Wolf had died from his injuries.

The six-year veteran of the force, was hit on I-75 Friday morning around 6:45 a.m. The 38-year-old was in the hospital, fighting to stay alive and was riding into work when he was hit by the unnamed driver.

Lt. Mike Shaw with Michigan State Police says Wolf's condition was listed as 'very critical' as fellow officers pray for his recovery. 

"He was traveling northbound on Dixie highway when another vehicle, also traveling northbound, tried to change lanes and struck the motorcycle," Shaw said.

Police say the 72-year-old driver from Waterford was hauling a trailer and Wolf was trapped under it and dragged at least three miles on I-75. Sources said other drivers noticed sparks and another even said a man could be seen under the trailer and called 911.

Police said the driver pulled into the Davisburg rest stop and thought he was having car trouble. That's when he noticed the officer.

"One of his coworkers responded to the scene and started rendering aid," Capt. Monica Yesh with MSP said.

Paramedics on scene tell Fox 2 Wolf wasn't responsive but had a pulse. Sources say his eyes opened in the hospital and sources say the father of four was put into a medically induced coma Friday afternoon with his wife by his side. 

"We all have that knowledge that something could happen to us. when it's one of your own, you have a job to do and you have to take care of things but of course your heart is aching for him and his family," Yesh said.

State troopers going in and out of the hospital on Friday described Wolf, who served at the Jackson, Flint and Metro posts, as a man dedicated to his family, his job and his faith.

"He's a really great guy. He's fun to be around. he has a lot of faith in God and that's what we need to have at this time," Shaw said.

Meanwhile the driver is being questioned and police say he has submitted to a breathalyzer and blood tests and is being cooperative. 

Michigan State Police released this statement after Wolf died:

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is confirming that Tpr. Chad H. Wolf has passed away, as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic crash earlier this morning.

"It is with very heavy hearts that we confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Chad Wolf," stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. "Our troopers know the dangers they face each time they put on their uniform, but the calling they feel to serve the public is stronger than any fear. Trooper Wolf will forever be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father and outstanding public servant."

This morning, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Wolf was on patrol with his department-issued motorcycle driving on northbound Dixie Highway crossing over southbound I-75 when a passenger vehicle towing a trailer collided with Wolf's motorcycle.

Preliminary investigation indicates Wolf was dragged by the trailer on I-75 for several miles until the driver pulled over at the Holly Road rest area. The driver, a 72-year-old male from Waterford, is cooperating with the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the events this morning to contact the MSP at 1-855-MICH-TIP.

Wolf, 38 years of age, enlisted with the MSP in 2008, graduating as a member of the 121st Trooper Recruit School. He has served at the Jackson, Flint and Metro posts. He has been a member of the Motor Unit since September 2013. Wolf is survived by his wife and four children.

The MSP wishes to acknowledge our many law enforcement partners who assisted at the scene and who continue to provide support to our department during this difficult time. We also wish to thank the staff and medical professionals at Genesys Regional Medical Center for the outstanding care given to Wolf.