DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan State Police (MSP) are mourning the loss of one of its own after he failed to recover from his injuries in a Friday morning on-duty traffic crash.

Michigan State Police officials told Michigan News Source that Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will be removed from life support pending the completion of his family’s decision to donate his organs.

MORE NEWS: Train Crash Kills One in Kalamazoo

The 45-year-old Kerstetter joined the MSP in January of 2023 and graduated with the 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School later that year. MC Officer Kerstetter leaves behind a wife and three children.

“We are heartbroken for this loss,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Traffic enforcement is dangerous work. The dedication of our motor carrier officers and troopers to keeping the public safe on our roadways is commendable and honorable. With the decision to give the gift of life, even in his death, MC Officer Kerstetter is serving others.”

Kerstetter had been conducting a traffic stop and was sitting in his patrol vehicle with his seatbelt on when a motorist struck it. Reports say that vehicle pushed Kerstetter’s vehicle into the back of the semi-truck. The semi-truck driver was not injured, but the other driver died.

The crash remains under investigation. Troopers want to remind all Michigan drivers about the state’s “Move Over Law” which requires vehicles to move over when emergency vehicles and patrol cars are conducting business and have their lights on.