A state trooper is accused of killing a cheerleader who was about to graduate. He’s no longer with the agency
(CNN) — A former Minnesota state trooper allegedly responsible for a car crash that killed an 18-year-old cheerleader is no longer employed by the Minnesota State Patrol, according to the agency.
Shane Roper, 32, faces multiple felony charges related to the May 18 accident that claimed Olivia Flores’ life and injured others.
In August, the former state trooper pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges, including second-degree manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide, CNN previously reported.
A review of Roper’s disciplinary record found he was involved in four prior crashes while driving his Minnesota State Patrol squad car “either due to inattentive driving or excessive speed,” according to the criminal complaint.
Roper was placed on paid leave after the May accident, according to Minnesota State Patrol Chief Col. Christina Bogojevic.
“Shane Roper’s last day of employment at Department of Public Safety/Minnesota State Patrol was on Tuesday, September 3,” Lt. Mike Lee told CNN on Saturday.
CNN has requested Roper’s personnel data regarding discipline, to clarify whether he was terminated.
Family mourns loss of daughter
Olivia, a captain on the cheerleading team at Owatonna High School, was a cherished daughter, sister and teammate whose loss has been felt widely throughout her community.
“She should’ve been able to walk across the stage,” Carlos Flores, Olivia’s father, told KTTC, wearing a handmade bracelet with small beads that read “LLO,” which stands for “Long Live Olivia.” “Because of you, (Roper) we planned a funeral instead of her graduation party.”
“Because of your choice, I don’t get to dance with my daughter at her wedding.”
Owatonna Huskies cheerleaders held multiple events, including a dinner and silent auction, to honor their teammate and raise funds for the Flores family.
“It is with broken hearts we have to say goodbye to our Olivia,” Owatonna Huskies Cheerleading said in a Facebook post. “She was such an amazing cheerleader, friend and person. She touched many lives and our lives will forever be changed from her brightening them.”
A GoFundMe was set up to support the Flores family as they navigate their loss.
CNN’s Alaa Elassar and Sara Smart contributed to this story.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
