A Virginia state trooper was struck and killed by an SUV on Friday while directing traffic.
According to the newspaper Southwest Times, Trooper Andrew Fox, 27, who was assigned to the Dublin office was killed while helping direct traffic leaving the State Fair and Kings Dominion, a theme park.
Fox was wearing a traffic safety vest working at the intersection of Route 30 and Theme Park Way, according to the paper. The intersection is controlled by traffic lights, but both east and westbound lanes were flashing yellow to allow troopers to control and direct traffic leaving the event.
According to television station WTVR, Fox was hit by a Jeep Cherokee traveling east shortly after 10 p.m. After the crash, troopers and other bystanders ran to the SUV, lifted it off Fox as two other troopers began CPR and first aid efforts. Two people in the Jeep were not injured.
Fox was transported to VCU Medical Center where he later died.
“We are absolutely devastated,” said First Sgt. Mike Honaker told the newspaper. “Andrew was one of those guys where, every week, somebody would” call the Dublin office to complement him, Honaker said.
The newspaper reported, the Virginia State Police Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting with the on-going crash investigation. State Police say they are in consultation with the Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office.
Fox, a native of Tazewell County, moved to Pulaski County in May after requesting transfer from the Springfield area and has been working for the state police five years.
He and his wife, Virginia, recently purchased property upon which to build a home. They did not have any children, according to the newspaper.
Fox was a graduate of Virginia Tech, an officer in Tazewell and a member of the Draper Volunteer Fire Department, according to
Fox was a graduate of Virginia Tech graduate, an officer in Tazewell and member of the Draper Volunteer Fire Department, according to the television station.
Officials said Fox is survived by his wife, parents, a sister and a step-brother. Funeral arrangements are pending.
No funeral arrangements have been made.
