A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed and another trooper was injured following a two-vehicle crash early Friday morning in Westmoreland County.
Trooper Michael P. Stewart was in his cruiser with the other trooper on State Route 711 near State Route 271 in Ligonier when the crash occurred around 2:30 a.m., according to a news release.
The 26-year-old trooper was pronounced dead on the scene while the second trooper was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
"My thoughts, and the thoughts of the entire department, are with the family of Trooper Stewart during this difficult time," Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker said in a statement. "Trooper Stewart served the commonwealth honorably, and we join all Pennsylvanians to mourn his passing."
Trooper Stewart enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in January 2014 and had been assigned to the Patrol Unit in Troop A, Greensburg since August 29, 2015. He was previously assigned to Troop H, Chambersburg.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
