This didn't get much coverage in Chicago - apologies to the ISP for the oversight:
- Trooper Kyle Deatherage, who recently transferred to the Illinois State Police motorcycle unit to spend more time with his young family, was struck and killed by a truck Monday morning during a traffic stop along Interstate 55 near Litchfield.
Deatherage, 32, of Highland, entered law enforcement as a Madison County sheriff’s deputy in 2004 and moved to the state police in May 2009.
Nelda Christin, an aunt, said the family was devastated by the loss. Deatherage was married to Christin’s niece, Sarah, and they have two children, Kaylee, 4, and Camden, 10 months old.
“He was a wonderful person,” Christin said. She said he switched to motorcycle duty because it allowed him to move from the night shifts to days, and see more of his growing family.
Hiram Grau, director of the state police, issued a statement saying, “Our hearts are heavy with grief, but they are also strengthened by Trooper Deatherage’s brave calling.”
Prayers only for Trooper Deatherage here please.