Port St. Lucie, Fla. – A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper tragically lost his life in a collision with a semi-truck during a high-speed chase on Friday morning. The trooper, identified as Zachary Fink, was killed in the line of duty. As a result of the crash, all lanes on both sides of I-95 were closed from south of Crosstown Parkway until roughly Tradition Parkway. The tragic incident unfolded near Commerce Centre Drive, where law enforcement agencies investigated another collision involving a white Kia that crashed into a tree. The driver of the Kia fled the scene, prompting a search involving drones, K-9 units, and a helicopter in the nearby Castle Pines neighborhood.
Meanwhile, Port St. Lucie Police announced they had detained a suspect believed to be connected with the I-95 crash. The gravity of Fink’s death drew responses from various sheriff’s offices and state leaders, including Senator Rick Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis, who extended their condolences to the Fink family and the entire FHP community.
A somber procession took place as Fink’s body, draped in an American flag, was escorted to the medical examiner’s office. The impact of Fink’s tragic death was felt throughout the law enforcement community, serving as a solemn reminder of the inherent dangers associated with the job. The incident also prompted a warning for residents to avoid the affected area, along with updates regarding potential delays to school bus routes in the vicinity. The Florida Highway Patrol, along with other law enforcement agencies, continued to investigate the crash and its surrounding circumstances, further underscoring the collaborative efforts in response to the tragic event.
The loss of Fink’s life on duty serves as a poignant moment, reminiscent of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. This story will continue to develop, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.