On-duty state trooper dies on turnpike in Bucks County

A 58-year-old Pennsylvania state trooper died while on duty Saturday morning on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Trooper Donald C. Brackett was found unresponsive next to his patrol vehicle from an apparent medical episode, Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick announced Saturday night.

The Bensalem resident was a nearly 18-year veteran of the force and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Robert Evanchick is saddened to announce that Trooper Donald C. Brackett died while on duty earlier today from an apparent medical episode. He was 58 years old. https://t.co/EqN0eEZwtB pic.twitter.com/Pd0x0Iwgfv

— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) May 19, 2019

Troopers from Trevose and King of Prussia responded to the westbound turnpike in Bucks County around 11:30 a.m. after Brackett did not respond to radio transmissions, officials said.

Upon discovering Brackett, the troopers immediately began CPR and advanced medical personnel transported him to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia.

Saddened by the unexpected passing of Trooper Brackett while on duty along the @PATurnpikeAlert yesterday. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues. Grateful everyday for the selfless service to our commonwealth of @PAStatePolice https://t.co/OT5PNlFeRd

— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) May 19, 2019

“All personnel of the Pennsylvania State Police are deeply affected by this loss,” said Evanchick. “Our thoughts are with Trooper Brackett’s family and friends as they mourn his sudden passing.”

Brackett enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in October 2001. He was assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop T, King of Prussia at the time of his death, officials said. He had also been assigned to troops in Trevose and Media during his career with the department.