By Charles E. Ramirez
The Detroit News
LINCOLN PARK, Mich. — The Michigan State Police Motor Carrier officer who was on life support after a Friday crash on Interstate 75 in Lincoln Park has died, officials said.
Daniel Kerstetter died Sunday after he was taken off of life support and his organs were donated, the state police confirmed Monday. Officials said Sunday his family made the decision.
Multiple law enforcement agencies expressed their condolences to the state police, Kerstetter’s family and colleagues.
“The Detroit Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the family of Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter and the Michigan State Police,” officials said on Monday in a post on X.
Livonia police officials expressed a similar sentiment.
“Today, we are saddened to learn of the passing of MSP MCO Daniel Kerstetter, who passed away as a result of injuries he sustained during an on-duty crash. LPD sends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Michigan State Police community.”
So did the Lansing Police Department.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter of the Michigan State Police, who passed away in the line of duty,” the Lansing Police Department said in a post. “We stand in solidarity with Officer Kerstetter’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
In a statement, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called Kerstetter’s death “heartbreaking. Michigan is grateful to MC Officer Kerstetter for keeping our families safe during his career. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and MSP colleagues during this difficult time.”
Kerstetter, 45, joined the MSP in January 2023 and was assigned to the Metro North Post, according to authorities. He was married and had three children.
On Friday, the officer and one other person were injured in the crash. Police said Kerstetter was on the side of the road conducting a traffic stop when his vehicle was struck by another car at about 8:40 a.m. on northbound I-75 near Dix Road in Lincoln Park.
Officials said a Ford Explorer struck the median wall before continuing on the freeway, striking Kerstetter’s vehicle and pushing it into the back of a semi-truck. The Explorer’s driver, who has not been identified, did not survive the crash, authorities said. The semi-trailer truck driver was not injured.
The incident comes less than two weeks after two motorists crashed into Michigan State Police cars in separate incidents in Wayne County.
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