A GoFundMe page raised over $123,000 so far to help the family of Michigan State Police Trooper Chad Wolf, 38, who passed away from injuries after an accident early Friday morning, Aug. 28.
In a few days since the page was set-up, over 1,700 people donated towards the now $200,000 goal.
Many condolences were sent to both the trooper and his family on the Clarkston News’ Facebook page.
‘So very sad,? posted Gracie Finley. ‘God bless him and his family.?
‘Rest easy, trooper, said Jim Muehlheim.
Wolf was on an MSP motorcycle traveling north on Dixie Highway when a vehicle towing a small trailer quickly changed lanes to get on the ramp to northbound I-75. The vehicle struck Wolf and dragged him about three miles down the interstate until the driver pulled over at a rest stop in Holly.
Frantic callers dialed 911 to report the incident, which occurred about 6:30 a.m.
Throughout the day, Friday, state police and deputies from Oakland County Sheriff Office were on site conducting an investigation. Dozens of state troopers were along I-75 and Dixie Highway, which were both closed for most of the day after the accident.
Deputies guarded the Dixie Highway scene tightly as authorities investigated the accident.
MSP announced Friday night Wolf died from his injuries.
‘It is with very heavy hearts that we confirm the death of one of our own, Trooper 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.”
Wolf’s previously worked out of MSP posts in Flint, Jackson, and Taylor.
Wolf, 38, enlisted with the MSP in 2008, graduating as a member of the 121st Trooper Recruit School. He has been a member of the Motor Unit since September 2013. Wolf is survived by his wife and four children.
The driver of the vehicle ,a 72-year old Waterford resident, is cooperating with the investigation, officials said.
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.
Mr. B’s Roadhouse in Independence Township hosted a candlelight vigil, Sunday, in honor of the trooper, whose funeral was Sept. 1 at Fenton High School. He was a youth pastor and very active at Great Lakes Baptist Church.
Gov. Rick Snyder ordered U.S. flags within the State Capitol Complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Sept. 1, in Wolf’s honor.
‘Trooper Wolf gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and his fellow Michiganders. Despite possible risks, he felt the duty to serve and went to work every day to keep our communities safe,? Snyder said in a press release. ‘On behalf of the entire state, I sincerely thank Trooper Wolf for his service and join with his family, friends and colleagues in mourning his tragic loss.?
The family released a statement Tuesday morning, ‘We want to thank all of those who have reached out to us through social media and donations. This has been a difficult time for our family, but knowing we have care and compassion from people around the nation makes this burden a little lighter to bear. Let’s remember not only our family is in pain. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other family affected by this tragedy. Our hearts also go out to the families of other recently fallen officers. You are not alone. May we share this burden together.?
Wolf’s GoFundMe page can be found at www.gofundme.com/kk2xtxns.