‘We will never forget’: Washington State Patrol IDs trooper killed in crash on I-5 near Marysville; suspect in custody
MARYSVILLE, Wash. (KGW/KTVZ) — A Washington State Patrol trooper who was struck and killed on Interstate 5 early Saturday morning was a "truly dedicated" member and "an even better human being," Chief John Batiste said Saturday afternoon, KGW reported.
Just before 3 a.m., Trooper Christopher M. Gadd was hit by a driver on southbound I-5 near Marysville while working, according to WSP. He died at the scene. Authorities said the suspect was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck Gadd's patrol vehicle.
The suspect, a 32-year-old Lynnwood man, was arrested for vehicular homicide investigation, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said. KING 5 does not name suspects until they are officially charged in court.
The driver of the van was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the passengers were not injured.
Officials are still investigating whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the fatal incident. A search warrant was obtained Saturday to administer a blood test on the suspect to check for possible impairment.
The 27-year-old trooper is survived by his wife and his 2-year-old daughter, Batiste said at an afternoon news conference. Gadd's father is also a Washington State Patrol trooper and his sister serves as a trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
"I want [people] to think about the fact that a man, a good man, a father, a good husband, and outstanding son gave his life in service to the people of the great state of Washington,” Batiste said. "That's what I want them to remember."
Gadd was born in Pasco, Wash., on Sept. 28, 1996. He graduated from Kentlake High School in 2015 and attended Green River College and Tacoma Community College, where he earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Gadd began working with WSP on Sept. 16, 2021, as a cadet in Grandview, Wash. In April 2022, he was transferred to the training division to become part of the 116th Trooper Basic Training class. Batiste said several people in his class continued to work with him in the district.
Gadd rose to the top of his class, graduating on Nov. 16, 2022, and earning a top academic award which recognizes the cadet who attains the highest grade point average over 30 exams and quizzes during their training.
“As you can imagine, we’re very, very proud of Chris," Batiste said.
“Because he served, it’s our duty to continue to service and it's our duty to honor him and never forget, never forget his ultimate sacrifice," Batiste said. "We will never forget Trooper Christopher Gadd, badge number 927 of the Washington State Patrol.”
He was assigned to the Marysville area on Dec. 7, 2022, under the leadership of WSP Capt. Jason Knott.
Gadd is the 33rd trooper to be killed in the WSP's 103 years of service.
“Today shows the seriousness of the work done by the trooper and other law enforcement agencies in this state and around the country," Batiste said. "When they put their badge on and they pledge to serve, they also know that this day could possibly arrive,” he said. “I can’t express my love and appreciation for such a fine young man who was truly dedicated.”
Batiste said a memorial service will be planned and held at a later date.
