MSP Trooper, Woman Die In I-75 Crash In Metro Detroit: Police

LINCOLN PARK, MI — A Michigan State Trooper who was injured in a metro Detroit crash Friday morning will be taken off life-support, according to Michigan State Police.

Dan Kerstetter, 45, was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 75 near Allen Road in Lincoln Park at 8:40 a.m. when an SUV slammed into the back of his police cruiser and pinned it under a semi truck, according to police.

Police said the driver of the SUV first hit the median wall and continued down the freeway before hitting the patrol vehicle.

The woman who was driving the SUV was killed in the crash while Kerstetter was taken to a nearby hospital where he was initially listed in critical condition, according to police.

The driver of the semi truck was not injured in the crash, according to police.

Kerstetter was sitting in his police cruiser at the time of the crash, according to police.

Officials had to extricate him from the vehicle after the crash, according to police.

Troopers announced Sunday that Kerstetter would be taken off life-support, which he was on to keep his organs viable for donation, according to police.

"We are heartbroken for this loss," Michigan State Police Col. James F. Grady II said. "Traffic enforcement is dangerous work. The dedication of our motor carrier officers and troopers to keeping 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."

Kerstetter joined Michigan State Police in January 2023. He then graduated as a member of the 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School in May 2023.

He was married with three children.