Holly MatkinGrand Rapids, MI – Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper Caleb Starr died in the line of duty on July 31, three weeks after an alleged drunk driver crashed into him head-on.
The collision occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on July 10, as Trooper Starr was headed eastbound on Grand River Avenue in Boston Township, MLive reported.
A woman in an oncoming vehicle suddenly crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic, and slammed into the 33-year-old trooper head-on, according to the MSP.
Trooper Starr was flown to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he remained until he succumbed to his injuries on July 31, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The driver of the vehicle that crashed into him has been identified as 28-year-old Thomasina Shani Jones, WOOD reported.
Jones, who was hospitalized for a period of time after the fatal crash, was arrested at a residence in Ionia County on Monday.
She has been charged with operating while intoxicated, operating while license is suspended, revoked or denied, causing death, operating with a high blood alcohol content level causing death with a prior conviction, and second-degree murder, according to WOOD.
Trooper Starr joined the MSP in September of 2018.
He was assigned to the Lakeview post at the time of his death, MLive reported.
His wife, Rachael, is a civilian employee with MSP, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Trooper Starr also leaves behind his two daughters, ages five and two, MLive reported.
“The Michigan State Police mourns the loss of not just a trooper, but a husband, father and dedicated public servant who had so much left to give in a life that was cut far too short,” MSP Director Colonel Joe Gasper told MLive in a written statement.
A fundraising page established to help Trooper Starr’s young family in the wake of their loss has raised over $67,000 so far.
NEWS RELEASE: State Trooper Injured in Traffic Crash Passes Away https://t.co/uyhML1ME6y pic.twitter.com/caN5XhRGQu
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) August 1, 2020
NOW: @MichStatePolice troopers, community members, and family are gathered at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Lansing to honor Trooper Caleb Starr who died last night. @WOODTV pic.twitter.com/HTFHRQksCt
— Dana Whyte (@dwhytereports) August 1, 2020
Just In – MSP reports the woman involved in a July 10 crash in Ionia County which killed a state trooper was arrested this morning and charged with 2nd Degree Murder. Her name is being withheld pending arraignment. 33 year old Trooper Caleb Starr died Friday night. (MSP images) pic.twitter.com/sQ2wCumiRy
— Bill Harris (@BillHarrisTV) August 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
