Okemah, OK – Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Martin passed away from natural causes early Monday morning, his department said.

“It is with sadness that OHP announces the death of Oklahoma State Trooper Daniel Martin # 606 of Troop D, Okemah detachment,” the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said in a Facebook post. “Please keep Trooper Martin’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Trooper Martin, 46, had been with the agency for 11 years.

Prior to his career in law enforcement, Trooper Martin served in the United States Navy, according to his obituary.

Those who knew the fallen trooper flooded the department’s post with their condolences.

“I had the privilege of working with him over his [years as] a Trooper and I can speak for other departments of Emergency Services in this County and say he will truly be missed,” Shane Mccollum wrote.

“He helped me last spring when I got into an accident, and also came into the restaurant I work at frequently,” Ashley West posted. “Such a kindhearted man! Trooper Martin will be missed!”

“I had the pleasure of meeting this man a few weeks ago,” Kyle Knott wrote. “The troop lost a true professional, caring man. May he Rest In Peace and his family find peace knowing he is now watching over them for eternity.”

Trooper Martin leaves behind his wife, Cara, as well as his three sons, Nicholos, Devon, and Jacob, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his father, siblings, grandmother and a large extended family.

Trooper Martin will be laid to rest on Friday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Daniel Martin, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.