TAYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. --

A Michigan State Police trooper was killed early Wednesday morning in a rollover crash while on his way to help Saginaw County sheriff's deputies chase a motorist.

Trooper Jeffrey Werda, an 10-year police veteran, died when he lost control of his cruiser near Birch Run Road and Morrish Road in Taymouth Township around 1:30 a.m. His cruiser rolled several times and landed in a ditch. He was ejected from the vehicle.

A passerby came upon the accident scene and called 9-1-1. Werda was transported to Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said Werda, who had been based at the Bridgeport Township Michigan State Police post for four years, was called as backup to help stop a motorist on an equipment violation.

"On behalf of the men and women of the Michigan State Police, I send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tpr. Jeffrey Werda who died this morning in the line of duty," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police. "Every day law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to uphold the law and keep our communities safe. This is a great loss to our State Police family, all of law enforcement and the citizens of Michigan."

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