A Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper died after he was struck while outside of his patrol car Thursday afternoon.
Trooper Kenneth Velez was conducting traffic enforcement on Interstate Route 90 near Lakewood around 12:52 p.m. when the crash occurred, according to a department news release.
"This is a tragedy for the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety," Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Paul Pride said in a statement, "Our prayers go out to the Velez family during this difficult time."
The Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash and would not say whether the driver who struck the 48-year-old trooper had been arrested.
Gov. John Kasich offered condolences to both Velez's family and the Highway Patrol.
"This tragedy reminds us of the risks courageously born every day by the men and women of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and all law enforcement so that we can be safe," he said in a statement.
The 26-year veteran of the force is survived by three children.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
