GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Support Family Of State Trooper Killed On I-75
FENTON (WWJ) -- In the wake of the tragic death of Michigan State Trooper Chad Wolf, a GoFundMe page has been started up to help raise funds for Wolf's family.
A group of "close friends" of the family told WWJ Newsradio 950 that they are hoping to alleviate "the immediate financial needs" for the wife and mother of four young children of the fallen motorcycle patrolman.
The goal is to raise $50,000 for the family's needs. As of Saturday morning, $17,000 had been raised.
Wolf, 38, was killed after being hit by a vehicle on I-75 in Oakland County, then dragged underneath a trailer being towed by the vehicle.
State Police Lieutenant Monica Yesh told WWJ the accident happened as the 72-year-old driver of the vehicle was merging onto the freeway. She said the incident should serve as a reminder for drivers to be vigilant in staying focused behind the wheel, especially while changing lanes.
"We see that in our traffic enforcement -- they [motorists] often don't see us on our motor units," Yesh said. "But they don't see the public either, that's why it's very important to make sure you're looking two or three times to make sure there's nothing in your lane before you make a lane change."
Wolf joined the Michigan State Police in 2008. He has served at the Jackson, Flint and Metro posts.
Yesh said that even though it was still a little dark at 6:30 a.m. when the accident took place, Wolf's lights on the motorcycle were turned on.
"You have to pay attention to where you're going," Yesh said. "We talk about it all summer long, about motorcycle safety. You have to be careful and you have to be paying attention, especially in the warm summer months. There are a lot of motorcycles out there and we need to be very careful when we're driving."
Wolf was dragged for roughly three miles until the driver from Waterford pulled over at a rest stop. Initially listed in critical condition, Wolf died at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc on Friday afternoon.
Michigan State Police Lieutenant Michael Shaw says the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming.
"We just want to thank the community for their thoughts and prayers, and hopefully they'll continue those prayers for his family and the rest of the MSP as we go through this week," Shaw said.
Shaw said as soon as officials are done with the investigation, the case will be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor to determine what charges -- if any -- will be filed.
Family members are in the process of making funeral arrangements.