LINCOLN PARK, Mich. – A Michigan State Police officer was taken off life support after being gravely injured in a crash on I-75.
Crash details
Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter had stopped on the shoulder of northbound I-75 around 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
He was performing a traffic stop in the area of Dix Highway in Lincoln Park when his patrol car was struck by a Ford Explorer.
At the time, Kerstetter was sitting in his patrol car with the seat belt on, according to Michgian State Police.
Officials said the Explorer crashed into the median wall before continuing down the freeway and hitting Kerstetter’s car.
The patrol car was pushed into the back of the semi truck that Kerstetter had pulled over.
Kerstetter became pinned in the patrol car and had to be extricated. He was taken to a nearby hospital and originally listed in critical condition.
The woman driving the Explorer was killed. The driver of the semi truck was not injured.
Officer Daniel Kerstetter
Kerstetter, 45, joined Michigan State Police in January 2023. He graduated as a member of the 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School in May 2023.
Kerstetter was assigned to the Metro North Post.
He was married and had three children.
Fatal injuries
Michigan State Police revealed Sunday, Sept. 15, that Kerstetter will be removed from life support once his family has made a decision about organ donation.
“MC Officer Kerstetter was not able to overcome injuries he sustained as a result of a September 13, 2024, on-duty traffic crash,” the release said.
Local 4 learned around 9 a.m. Monday that Kerstetter was taken off life support and died. His organs were donated, her his wishes.
Michigan State Police statement
Michigan State Police thanked partnering agencies and emergency responders who went to the scene and continue to provide support.
“We are heartbroken for this loss,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Traffic enforcement is dangerous work. The dedication of our motor carrier officers and troopers to keep the public safe on our roadways is commendable and honorable. With the decision to give the gift of life, even in his death, MC Officer Kerstetter is serving others.”
What’s a motor carrier officer?
Michigan State Police said motor carrier officers are armed, uniformed members of state police who specialize in commercial vehicle enforcement.
“They enforce traffic safety laws on commercial vehicles, protect the infrastructure through aggressive size and weight enforcement, conduct commercial vehicle and driver inspections, and contribute to homeland security efforts by enforcing hazardous material regulations,” the release says.
Crash investigation
Officials said the crash remains under investigation.
