Holly MatkinSardis, MS – Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Trooper Roderick “Rod” Sharp died on May 5 after being struck by a hit-and-run driver, according to police.
The 45-year-old trooper was off-duty when the fatal crash occurred, WREG reported.
The driver who struck Trooper Sharp fled the scene but was later apprehended by the Panola County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), according to investigators.
The suspect’s identity was not immediately available, nor were the circumstances of the collision.
The PCSO said it was still “actively investigating” the incident, WREG reported.
Trooper Sharp served as a correctional officer and commercial vehicle enforcement officer prior to joining the THP in 2003.
He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, according to his obituary.
In addition to his nearly 20 years of service with the THP, Trooper Sharp also served as the Tennessee State Employees Association’s (TSEA) District 1 Board Director, the organization said in a press release on May 6.
“Rod Sharp was a good man who cared deeply for his family and state employees,” TSEA Executive Director Randy Stamps said. “We will miss his friendship and his presence on our board. Our prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The TSEA said Trooper Sharp had a “calm demeanor and reasoned approach,” and that he was also a “loving husband and father, a loyal friend, was passionate about state employees, and will be missed greatly by his TSEA family.”
Trooper Sharp leaves behind his wife, Heather, and his children, Owen and Destiny, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his mother, in-laws, and his nieces.
Trooper sharp was laid to rest on May 13.
It is with a heavy heart we share the following news on the passing of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Roderick Sharp. While in Mississippi Trooper Sharp was struck by a driver who fled the scene and was later located by law enforcement. Please pray for Roderick’s family. pic.twitter.com/1BCiE3iUYu
— THPMemphis (@THPMemphis) May 7, 2022
It is with a heavy heart we share the following news on the passing of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Roderick Sharp. While in Mississippi, Trooper Sharp was struck by a driver who fled the scene and was later located by law enforcement. Please pray for Roderick’s family. pic.twitter.com/9TFD16JBWd
— THPJackson (@THPJackson) May 6, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Roderick “Rod” Sharp, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
