SAN JACINTO COUNTY, Texas – A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was killed Monday night in a crash while responding to a call in San Jacinto County, officials said.
According to DPS, Trooper Jerry Wayne Adamick Jr., 44, was traveling on FM 945 near FM 2025 around 9:15 p.m. heading to assist law enforcement partners with an emergency call when his vehicle left the roadway after crossing the East Fork San Jacinto River bridge. The vehicle struck a pine tree and caught fire.
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Officials said the trooper was unable to escape.
First responders arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. DPS investigators spent nearly five hours at the scene.
The crash happened just feet from another recent fatal wreck, officials noted.
“Our hearts are broken today,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Trooper Adamick bravely served our country for many years, and we were proud to have him choose to continue his service as part of the DPS family. He had so much life ahead of him, and today we grieve with his family and friends.”
DPS says Trooper Adamick served with the United States Army for more than two decades and completed several tours overseas. After leaving the Army, he joined DPS and was a member of Class A-2024. He was the recipient of the Veterans National Defense Award in June of last year.
His family says being a trooper was his dream.
Trooper Adamick was stationed in Coldspring. He is survived by his wife, Roxanne, and five adult children.
Trooper Jerry Wayne Adamick is the 242nd DPS Officer to die in the line of duty since 1823. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.