DENVER -- One of the greatest tragedies of this week’s monster blizzard was the loss of a state trooper.
Memorial plans are now underway for Corporal Dan Groves, 52, who was helping a stranded driver on I-76 near Roggen when another driver lost control and slammed into him.
Thursday, a processional of state troopers helped to escort the body of Groves from a hospital in Brighton to a mortuary near Groves’ home in Johnstown. The Colorado State Patrol is likely to release more details Friday about memorial plans for Groves.
At the state Capitol on Thursday, lawmakers took a moment to honor Groves and were also critical of drivers who didn’t heed the warnings to stay off the roads.
"The roads were closed and he was trying to help those that happened to be out there even when the roads were closed," said Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling.
“CSP has suffered four of these types of fatalities in the past four years,” said Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley. “Four CSP troopers were standing outside their vehicles, helping other people when they were killed in the line of duty. Senseless and needless kinds of death. So many of these tragedies can be avoided if people just pay attention to what they're doing."
“When you hear sirens – slow down,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “Pay attention.”
Much of I-76 remained closed Thursday with truck traffic backing up for miles.
Other trucks and vehicles remain stranded.
The chief of the CSP is expected to hold a news conference Friday, where we should learn more details about the service for the fallen trooper.
Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the crash to call Investigator Jon Smith with the Colorado State Patrol at (303) 293-4501. Make sure to reference case number 3A190433.
They're also asking for the public's help in finding a Good Samaritan who rendered aid to the corporal following the crash, according to witnesses. Investigators would like to talk to her about what she may have witnessed.