Florida trooper dies after being struck on Interstate 75

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper died after being struck by a vehicle while outside of his patrol car on Interstate 75 in Alachua County on Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we report Sgt. William Trampass Bishop, a member of the Florida Highway Patrol, has succumbed to injuries he sustained while on duty in Alachua County this evening,” said a joint statement issued Saturday from DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes and FHP Director Col. Gene Spaulding. “Sgt. Bishop was a 30-year veteran FHP trooper, who, like all troopers, put the well-being of those he serves above his own to keep Florida roadways safe.”

Bishop was outside of his patrol car on southbound I-75 during his shift Saturday evening when he was struck by a vehicle, according to a news release.

“Every member at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is grieving with Sgt. Bishop’s family during this horrific time,” the statement continued. “This is a tragedy that highlights the risks that FHP troopers encounter every day as they serve our state.”

Both departments asked the public to keep Bishop’s wife and son and all members of the FHP in their thoughts and prayers.

The crash is under investigation, and no additional details were released Saturday.

This story was originally published June 17, 2017 at 10:02 PM with the headline "Florida trooper dies after being struck on Interstate 75."