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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".
Click here to read the obituary

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