Connecticut State Police say a trooper who died on duty when his cruiser struck the back of a tractor-trailer last year was speeding and not wearing a seat belt, but had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
State police on Wednesday released a 603-page report on the accident involving Trooper First Class Kevin Miller on Interstate 84 eastbound in Tolland.
The report says the 19-year state police veteran was driving more than 80 mph (130 kph) in a 65 mph (105 kph) zone in the right lane when he struck a tractor-trailer with mechanical problems that was traveling less than 5 mph (8 kph). Police concluded the crash was an accident and no charges will be filed.
Police say the truck driver wasn't injured and tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
Andrew Matthews, executive director of the Connecticut State Police Union, released the following statement on the report:
“Trooper Kevin Miller’s passing in the line of duty is a reminder of the dangers our Troopers face on a daily basis. While deemed an accident, this also a reminder of the dangers mechanically defective tractor trailers pose to the motoring public.
We ask the public to remember Trooper Miller and his 14-year-old son and 11-year old daughter who no longer have their father. We also want to thank the public for the support they have provided since the loss of our Brother, Kevin. We are committed to caring for Trooper Miller’s family in his absence and will always honor the sacrifice he made while upholding the honor of his State Police badge.”
