By Cliff Pinckard
cleveland.com
BIRCH RUN, Mich. — A Michigan State Police trooper died Wednesday night after he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 75.
A news release from State Police says Trooper Joel Popp, 39, died at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Popp worked with the Tri-City Post after joining the State Police in 2020.
“This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Trooper Joel Popp ,” State Police Director Col. James Grady II said in a statement. “I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts.”
Popp and other troopers had pulled over a suspected impaired driver on I-75 near Birch Run at about 7:12 p.m. A vehicle driven by an 81-year-old man struck two patrol cars and then Popp, who was outside of his vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle who struck Popp was seriously injured but is expected to survive.
Popp is survived by his wife Stefanie and a young daughter. He is the 56th Michigan State trooper to be killed in the line of duty.
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