A Texas state trooper died Saturday, more than a week after he was struck by a vehicle, authorities said.
“Today is a very somber day, as our hearts weigh heavy in reporting the tragic death of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez,” a regional director said in a statement shared by the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association.
Ramirez Vasquez, 25, was investigating a crash along State Highway 302 about 9 a.m. September 17 when he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa then airlifted to Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock.
He died Saturday with his family by his side, according to the statement
Ramirez Vasquez was a U.S. Army veteran and serving in the U.S. National Guard. He joined DPS last year and was stationed in Odessa.
“There are no words to ease the loss of one of our brothers in uniform,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a news release. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez served this state honorably to his very last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten.”
Ramirez Vasquez is survived by his parents and three siblings.
DPS Troopers Foundation is collecting donations through HelpAHero.com.
Funeral arrangements are pending.