Trooper Daniel Groves's Death: Investigators Search For Witnesses To Crash
DENVER (CBS4) - Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday ordered that flags across Colorado be lowered to half staff after the death of a 52-year-old corporal with the Colorado State Patrol. Cpl. Daniel Groves was struck by a car in Weld County in blizzard conditions.
Polis said Groves's death is "a tragic reminder that every single day, the men and women of the Colorado State Patrol put their lives on the line to keep Coloradans safe."
The crash happened on Interstate 76 near Roggen late Wednesday afternoon. Investigators say John Carpenter, 58, of Centennial lost control of his car and hit Groves, who was trying to help a driver who had slid off the road. Carpenter was injured but not severely.
Flags are to remain at half staff until sunset on the day of the memorial service for Groves. Groves began his career with the Colorado State Patrol in July 2007 and is survived by his partner of two years.
Lawmakers in both the state House and Senate observed a moment of silence in honor of Groves.
"The Colorado State Patrol is a better agency because of his service and the state of Colorado is a better place," said one state lawmaker.
Investigators are asking for the public's help from anyone who may have witnessed or has information related to the crash that killed Groves. The crash happened on I-76, near mile post 47, at 11:20 a.m., on Wednesday.
Witnesses observed a female at the scene that rendered aid to Trooper Groves. Investigators would like to talk to her about what she may have witnessed. Also, investigators are looking for anyone else in the vicinity around that time who may have witnessed the crash or assisted. Please contact the Colorado State Patrol as soon as possible.
Details of the crash itself are not yet available and it is still under investigation.
Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to call Investigator Jon Smith with the Colorado State Patrol at: 303-239-4501, reference case # 3A190433.
On Thursday morning, I-76 was closed from Tower Road to the Colorado-Nebraska border due to dangerous driving conditions.
