A devoted Texas state trooper’s life was tragically cut short while performing his duty—what does this tell us about the real risks law enforcement officers face every day?
At a Glance
- A young Texas Highway Patrol trooper, Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, died after being wounded while investigating a car crash.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) announced his death in a press release.
- Ramirez Vasquez was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday morning while responding to an accident.
- He suffered serious injuries and was initially taken to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.
- He was later airlifted to a Lubbock-area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on September 28.
Texas State Trooper’s Death Highlights Risks Faced by Law Enforcement
A tragic incident unfolded as young Texas Highway Patrol trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, who served his community with honor, met an untimely death. While investigating a car crash, he was struck by a vehicle, reflecting the constant dangers faced by law enforcement officers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) confirmed his death, engulfing the community and his colleagues in profound grief. Trooper Ramirez Vasquez’s steadfast dedication to public safety was palpable from his time in the US military and the National Guard to his service as a state trooper.
It is with great sadness we announce the death of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez.
On Sept. 17, Trooper Ramirez Vasquez was investigating a traffic crash along SH 302 in Ector County when he was struck by a vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 28.… pic.twitter.com/usGpoyHD7d
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) September 29, 2024
On the morning of Tuesday, September 17, while attending to a crash situation on State Highway 302 in Notrees, Texas, Ramirez Vasquez was tragically struck. Engaged in conversation with an Ector County sheriff’s office deputy inside a patrol vehicle, both were hit by another vehicle. The deputy suffered minor injuries and was released after treatment.
Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, only 25 years old, leaves behind a legacy of bravery and selfless service. He joined the TXDPS in 2023 and quickly established himself as a courageous and dedicated officer stationed in Odessa. Ramirez Vasquez is survived by his parents and three siblings, who now grapple with an irreplaceable loss.
“No words to ease the loss of one of our brothers in uniform,” TXDPS Director Steven McCraw said, emphasizing the grief shared among colleagues and the community.
Tributes and Future Memorials
In a heartfelt appeal, Director McCraw requested prayers and support for Ramirez Vasquez’s family, friends, and colleagues. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez served this state honorably to his very last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas, and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten,” McCraw said.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder that those who choose to protect and serve our communities endure substantial risks daily. The DPS Troopers Foundation has started collecting donations through HelpAHero.com, ensuring that Ramirez Vasquez’s sacrifice is not in vain, and his contributions to public safety are eternally honored.
