Mike Haynes- MHP 159

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Haynes, who was critically injured in a head-on crash earlier this week, died Friday morning.

At about 2:40 a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Travis C. Vadersloot of Columbia Falls was driving the wrong way on U.S. 93 near Somers when his car collided with a patrol vehicle driven by Haynes, according to the Department of Justice. Deputy Coroner Pete Wingert says Vadersloot died at the scene.

Haynes, 28 and based in Kalispell, had been hospitalized since the crash and died shortly before 8:30 a.m. Friday.

"Mike Haynes lived his values, and loved his job and his family. You couldn't ask for a better trooper or man," said Colonel Mike Tooley, head of the Highway Patrol, in a prepared statement. "Montanans should be proud that someone of Mike's caliber was working for them. He will be missed."

Haynes had been with the Highway Patrol since 2006. He is survived by his wife Tawny, his two young children and his parents.

"The Highway Patrol has lost a brother and Montana has lost a hero. Our prayers tonight will be for Mike's young family," Attorney General Steve Bullock said. "Today and this weekend, I encourage all Montanans to honor and pray for the men and women who work in these dangerous occupations to make our lives safer. We also need to reflect on the devastating consequences that come with drinking and driving."

After nearly 30 years without any fatalities, Trooper Haynes is the third Highway Patrol trooper to die in the line of duty in the past 18 months. All three of the most recent deaths occurred in the Kalispell area. Haynes becomes the seventh Highway Patrol trooper to die in the line of duty in the Patrol's 74-year history.



 

A memorial fund has been set up at First Interstate Bank at 2 Main Street in Kalispell, MT 59901. The account is named the "Michael W. Haynes Memorial Fund".

 

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