FHP sergeant dies after being struck outside patrol car

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – A sergeant with the Florida Highway Patrol died Saturday night after being struck by a car on Interstate 75 while outside his patrol car, authorities said.

Sgt. William Trampass Bishop died of injuries he suffered in the crash in the southbound lanes of I-75 in Alachua County, according to a statement released from Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes and FHP Director Col. Gene Spaulding.

According to the FHP accident report, Bishop, 52, was in the emergency lane at about 6:30 p.m. working a previous crash when two cars collided in the center lane of the interstate. One of those cars struck Bishop.

He was taken to UF Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he died.

"This is a tragedy that highlights the risks that FHP troopers encounter every day as they serve our state," the statement said. "Every member at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is grieving with Sgt. Bishop's family during this horrific time."

Bishop, 52, was a 30-year veteran FHP trooper, authorities said. According to the accident report, charges are pending.

"We appreciate all of the support FHP has received and continues to receive," the statement said. "Please keep Sgt. Bishop's wife and son and all members of the Florida Highway Patrol in your thoughts and prayers."

"We are heartbroken to learn of the death of 30-year veteran FHP Trooper Sergeant William Trampas Bishop while on duty in Alachua County. Ann and I are praying for Sergeant Bishop’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time," Gov. Rick Scott said. "Our thoughts are also with the entire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol family as they grieve the loss of Sergeant Bishop."

The last FHP officer killed in the line of duty was Trooper Chelsea Richard, who died on May 3, 2014, when she was also struck by a car while investigating a traffic crash on I-75. That crash was in Marion County, only about 50 miles south of Saturday night's fatal crash.

This article is courtesy of WJXT-TV.