A tragic incident occurred over the weekend as a young Texas Highway Patrol trooper lost his life while on duty. Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, aged 25, was fatally wounded while investigating a car crash, as confirmed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) in a press release on Sunday.
Ramirez Vasquez was responding to an accident when he was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday morning. Despite being rushed to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa for treatment, his injuries were severe, leading to his transfer to a hospital in the Lubbock area where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on September 28.
Having joined the TXDPS in 2023 and stationed in Odessa, Trooper Ramirez Vasquez had a background of service, having also served in the U.S. military both before and during his time as a trooper. The press release highlighted his dedication to service, mentioning his prior service in the United States Army and his current role in the National Guard.
Director Steven McCraw of TXDPS expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the sacrifice made by Trooper Ramirez Vasquez in the line of duty. McCraw acknowledged the trooper's commitment to ensuring road safety and protecting the people of Texas, noting that Ramirez Vasquez is the 241st DPS officer to have died in the line of duty since 1823.
McCraw called for support for the trooper's family, friends, and colleagues during the challenging times ahead, urging the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in their daily service to the public.
