N.J. State Trooper From Cinnaminson Struck by Car on 295 Dies

The New Jersey State Trooper who was hit by a car during a traffic stop on I-295 in West Deptford Monday night has died.

State Police confirmed his identity as 31-year-old Sean Cullen early Tuesday morning.

Cullen responded to the scene of a crash and active car fire on southbound 295, milepost 23.4 in Deptford Township around 8:15 p.m. Monday night.

He was walking near the scene of the crash, which included several police vehicles with their emergency lights on, when a car driving by the scene struck him.

The 22-year-old woman who was driving stopped immediately, and cooperated with State Police investigators.

Cullen suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to Cooper hospital in Camden.

Cullen was pronounced deceased shortly after 12:30 a.m.

Family members and numerous troopers and law enforcement personnel from several different agencies held vigil late into the night at the hospital. Colonel Rick Fuentes broke the news to those gathered in the waiting room.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing. There have been no charges or tickets against the driver that struck him.

State Police will release further information as it becomes available.

Cullen was a member of the 154th State Police Class. He was stationed at Bellmawr Station and had been a trooper about two years. He was a graduate of Cinnaminson High School.

"Cinnaminson Township sends our thoughts and prayers on the loss of Trooper Sean Cullen, a resident of Cinnaminson and graduate of Cinnaminson High School," township officials posted on the township's official Facebook page on Tuesday.

He served as a Westampton Police Officer before becoming a state trooper in 2014.

Cullen graduated from Cinnaminson High School in 2003, according to the Burlington County Times. He won district wrestling championships in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and was the first 100-win wrestler in the school's history. He is sixth on the school's all-time wrestling wins list. He was engaged, and had a son that was younger than 1 year old.

He continued his athletic career at Lycoming College, where he won 94 matches, was an all-American, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Cullen's sudden death drew condolences and support for state police and community members from state officials.

"Every day, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police put their lives on the line to protect our citizens," Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement issued early Tuesday afternoon. "The sudden and tragic loss of New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen reminds us how fragile life truly is and the dangers police officers face daily on the job. As we mourn his passing, Mary Pat and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Trooper Cullen’s loved ones and his New Jersey State Police family during this sad time.”

“New Jersey State Trooper Sean Cullen was simply doing his job to protect us when his life was tragically cut short. His loss reminds us all of the risks our men and women in blue face each and every day. They deserve our appreciation and gratitude," U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said. "My deep and heartfelt condolences go out to Trooper Cullen’s family and the law enforcement community who mourn his loss during this difficult time. Trooper Cullen’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

"The tragic death of Trooper Sean Cullen is a terrible reminder that the men and women who serve to protect us put their lives on the line everyday," State Sen. President Steve Sweeney said. "Trooper Cullen gave his life in the line of duty and in service to others. I extend my sincere condolences to Trooper Cullen’s family, to every member of the New Jersey State Police and to the law enforcement community in mourning for his passing.”

“My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Trooper Sean Cullen, as well as the entire law enforcement community," Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto said. "This is another sobering reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement make every day when they leave the house and risk their lives to serve the people of this state. Our State Police community has endured for too many losses this year, reminding us that we must never take their services and loyalty to our state for granted. My thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Cullen’s family right now.”

It is the second time in three months that a state trooper was killed in a traffic accident.

Trooper Eli McCarson died in a single vehicle traffic accident while responding to a domestic dispute in December.