Published on: December 1, 2023, 09:21h.
Last updated on: December 1, 2023, 09:21h.
The Nevada State Police (NSP) mourns two troopers killed in a tragic accident that happened on Thursday morning. Their sad demise is a result of being violently struck by an inebriated driver on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas.
The deceased are identified as Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix. One trooper died at the crash site, while the other perished at the University Medical Center.
These troopers stopped at 3:23 a.m. to assist a motorist who was found sleeping in a vehicle on the highway when they were struck by the vehicle of an intoxicated driver. The driver then fled the scene and abandoned his car at a nearby apartment complex.
Nevada Trooper Fatal Accident
Is this another case of vehicular manslaughter in Nevada? Jemarcus Williams, 46, has been arrested and charged with a slew of criminal offenses. These charges include two counts each of reckless driving resulting in death, driving under the influence resulting in death, and duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death. He is in custody at the Clark County Detention Center, facing an uncertain future.
Furthermore, this accident has led to the closure of several sections of Interstate 15 and ramps connecting U.S. Highway 95 to I-15 temporarily.
Heroic State Troopers Lives End Prematurely
Abbate and Felix dedicated their lives to serving the law in December 2013 and January 2019, respectively. Abbate was recently promoted as Sergeant, whereas Felix had a prior service in the U.S. Air Force. Both troopers have left behind children.
The Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson expressed profound sorrow for the tragic loss: “It’s a terrible, terrible tragedy to have these troopers lose their lives in the manner they did.”
Equally regretful of this untimely death is Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff, who stated, “This is a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state. As we mourn these troopers, we will never forget their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.”
Trooper Deaths Evoke Sad Memories
The Council has sadly had to mourn a similar situation in 2021 when another trooper, Micah May, 46, also lost his life in a hit-and-run accident on I-15. The suspect, Douglas Claiborne, reached a fatal end at the hands of officers during the ensuing commotion.
While tragedy repeats itself, this deeply saddens many who recognize that the loss of our law enforcement officers is a blow to our nation. These heroic figures will always be remembered.