Motorcycle Trooper Dies After Being Struck, Dragged 'For Miles' By Vehicle Towing Trailer On I-75

SPRINGFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - A police investigation is underway in northern Oakland County after a fatal accident involving a Michigan State Police trooper on a motorcycle.

The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Friday along US-24 Dixie Highway and northbound I-75 in Springfield Township as Trooper Chad Wolf was on patrol.

According to police, Wolf was traveling northbound on Dixie Highway when he was struck by a vehicle towing a trailer that was making a lane change.

"[The motorist] tried to exit onto the entrance ramp of northbound I-75 and struck Trooper Wolf and the motorcycle as well," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue.

After the collision, the motorist -- a 72-year-old Waterford man -- continued driving. It doesn't appear that he knew Wolf, 38, was under his vehicle, according to police.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that Trooper Wolf was dragged by the trailer for several miles until the driver finally pulled over at the Holly rest area," said Etue.

Wolf was taken to Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc and was last reported in critical condition. Michigan State Police confirmed that Wolf died later on Friday from his injuries.

"It is with very heavy hearts that we confirm the death of one of our own, Trooper Chad Wolf," Etue said. "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 is survived by his wife and four children.

[MORE: GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Support Family Of State Trooper Killed On I-75]

Investigators say the Waterford man has been questioned by police and is being cooperative."

Northbound I-75 was closed from Ortonville Road, M-15, to East Holly Road. Both directions of Dixie Highway were also closed.

Several motorists called the WWJ Newsroom to report the heavy police activity in the area as the incident was unfolding. Brian Gallamore was driving along southbound I-75 when he saw scores of emergency vehicles with their lights activated.

"There were probably 18 to 20 police cruisers and three or four ambulances in the rest area and there were also motorcycle police," said Gallamore. "Then before I got to the rest area, there was a group of maybe three ambulances and four cruisers and a police escort, all heading north at high speed."

WWJ's Bill Szumanski was following the investigation from above the scene in Chopper 950.

"There's a lot of emergency vehicles at the rest area a few miles north of here, almost to East Holly Road. That's where everything concluded," said Skubick. "When we got to the scene, we saw a lot of police cars and an EMS Medikit there on the ground, and a lot of blood as well --  but we don't see any people that they're working on."

Wolf enlisted with the state police in 2008 and has served at the Jackson, Flint and Metro posts.

"This is a stark reminder that our troopers put their own safety at risk every single day to protect ours," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement on his Facebook page.

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• Motorcycle Accident