State Trooper Killed In I-84 Crash Identified: UPDATE

TOLLAND, CT — A Connecticut State Trooper was killed in a serious motor vehicle accident when a tractor trailer collided with his police cruiser Thursday afternoon on Interstate-84 near Exit 68 in Tolland, state police said.

The governor's office, in ordering flags to half-staff, identified him as Trooper First Class Kevin Miller, who had served with the State Police for 19 years.

State police spokeswoman Trooper First Class Kelly Grant said Miller was on-duty at the time. Miller was currently assigned to Troop C in Tolland, having previously served at Troop K in Colchester and Troop E in Montville.

Miller was a member of the 108th Training Troop, graduating from the Connecticut State Police Academy on March 19, 1999.

The crash on the eastbound side of the highway was reported at about 12:50 p.m. State police initially said the highway was closed by Exit 68, and that the crash involved serious injuries.

State officials then confirmed a trooper was involved. A report later indicated that both vehicles were in the right lane and the truck was traveling at "a slower speed than the flow of traffic." The cruiser hit the rear end of the truck, according to a report.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Trooper First Class Miller – a man who dedicated his life to serving the people of Connecticut,” Governor Malloy said. “State troopers and members of law enforcement put their lives on the line each and every day in order to selflessly protect the people of our state, and they deserve our utmost respect for the service they provide. As they protect us from harm, these brave men and women personify what it means to be a public servant. On behalf of the entire State of Connecticut, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and State Police colleagues. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper First Class Miller and his family in their prayers.”

“Trooper First Class Kevin Miller was a veteran of the State Police – his death is a shock and a tragedy,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said. “Our hearts are with his family and friends, and his brothers and sisters at the Connecticut State Police as they mourn his loss. We are fortunate and proud; he served the people of Connecticut with honor and commitment. We are forever grateful for his service.”

Malloy said Flags will remain at half-staff until burial or memorial services are held, the details of which are forthcoming.

This is the second time in two months a State Police Trooper has been killed in a motor vehicle accident. Trooper Danielle Miller was killed in a motor vehicle accident on February 3. Miller was off-duty at the time of the accident, which occurred on Route 69 in the town of Wolcott.

State police said any witnesses can call Troop C at 860-896-3200.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel; CSP and the Miller Family