Duty Death: Chad Walker - [MEXIA]
End of Service: 31/03/2021
By Kate Feldman
New York Daily News
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Texas — The Texas state trooper who was rendered brain dead after being shot last week has been taken off life support and has died, officials said late Wednesday.
Chad Walker was shot multiple times in the head and abdomen Friday night by a suspect who jumped out of a car on the side of a highway that Walker thought was stranded.
The suspect, 36-year-old Dearthur Pinson Jr., later died by suicide.
Walker was rushed to the hospital in Waco and was kept on life support until his organs could be donated.
Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw said in a statement, “Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken at the loss of one of our brothers in uniform who was killed in the line of duty.
“Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead.”
Walker is survived by his wife, 15-year-old son, 7-year-old twin daughters and a 2-month-old baby girl.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of Trooper Walker as they grieve his tragic death in the line of duty,” Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement.
“Trooper Walker’s horrific murder is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe. We will always support law enforcement here in Texas, and we are indebted to the sacrifices that they make to serve and protect their fellow Texans.”
A GoFundMe in Walker’s name has already raised more than $200,000.
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