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COLUMBIA, S.C. (BFMG) — A South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper has died three days after he was struck by a box truck while returning to his cruiser following a traffic stop.
Trooper 1st Class Dennis Ricks, 30, died Wednesday at a hospital, the Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Ricks had served with the Highway Patrol for two years.
Authorities said Ricks had pulled over a vehicle around 2 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 26 near Orangeburg. He was walking back to his patrol car, which had its blue lights activated, when the box truck hit him.
The truck’s driver was charged with driving under suspension. At a bond hearing Monday, investigators said more charges could follow depending on the trooper’s condition. The driver told the judge that his only concern was that Ricks would recover.
Ricks is the first South Carolina trooper to die in the line of duty since 2017.
“Although Trooper Ricks had only been a trooper for two years, he was a beloved member of Troop 7 and the Highway Patrol as a whole,” Highway Patrol Commander Col. Chris Williamson said in a statement. “We ask for continued prayers for his family, his friends, and his fellow troopers as they all navigate this immense loss.”
In an online fundraiser, Ricks’ wife described him as her safe place and her strength. She said he loved movies, video games and bringing laughter to the world.
