Greensburg trooper killed in Ligonier crash
A 26-year-old state police trooper working in Greensburg was killed in the line of duty in Ligonier Township early Friday.
Trooper Michael P. Stewart died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle accident at 2:30 a.m. on Route 711 near Route 271, state police said.
He was in a marked patrol vehicle with a second trooper, who was transported to a hospital with injuries that are not life threatening.
The crash is under investigation.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of the entire department, are with the family of Trooper Stewart during this difficult time,” said state police Commissioner Col. Tyree C. Blocker. “Trooper Stewart served the commonwealth honorably, and we join all Pennsylvanians to mourn his passing.”
Stewart enlisted with state police in January 2014. He graduated with the 138th cadet class. He was first assigned to Troop H in Chambersburg. He was assigned to the Greensburg Troop, Troop A, on Aug. 29, 2015, state police said.
Gov. Tom Wolf issued a statement, saying he was deeply saddened by the loss.
“This young trooper’s tragic death is a reminder of the selfless sacrifice made each and every day by every state trooper and their families. He served his fellow Pennsylvanians, his troop and our Commonwealth with honor and integrity,” he said in the statement.
State police said Stewart was the 98th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to be killed in the line of duty.