A tragic incident has claimed the life of a Michigan State officer following a traffic stop that turned deadly on Friday morning. Motor Carrier Officer (MCO) Daniel Kerstetter, a seasoned officer with the Michigan State Police, lost his life after his patrol vehicle was struck by an out-of-control car on I-75 near Dix in Lincoln Park. The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m., leaving both Kerstetter and the motorist responsible for the collision dead.
Officer Kerstetter was conducting a routine traffic stop along the northbound side of I-75, just south of Detroit, in an area known for its heavy traffic. According to preliminary reports from Michigan State Police, Kerstetter’s patrol vehicle was stationary at the time of the crash, parked on the shoulder of the freeway as he completed the stop. The situation escalated tragically when a Ford Explorer, driven by an unidentified female motorist, lost control, struck a median wall, and continued to careen down the freeway.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the Explorer initially swerved into the median, possibly due to a sudden loss of control, before it veered back onto the highway and slammed into the rear of Officer Kerstetter’s vehicle. The force of the impact sent Kerstetter’s patrol car hurtling forward, crashing into the back of a semi-truck that was also pulled over at the time of the incident. The semi-truck driver, miraculously, remained unharmed in the collision.
Immediate Response and Efforts to Save Lives
The severity of the crash was evident from the outset. Officer Kerstetter, who was still inside his vehicle at the time of the impact, was wearing his seatbelt—an important safety measure that unfortunately could not prevent the devastating consequences of the collision. First responders arrived swiftly at the scene, working quickly to extract Kerstetter from the mangled remains of his patrol car. Due to the extent of the damage, they were forced to use specialized equipment, including the “jaws of life,” to free him from the wreckage.
Kerstetter was transported to DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital in critical condition. Despite the valiant efforts of medical staff, the injuries he sustained proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Officer Kerstetter’s passing marks a somber loss for the Michigan State Police force, which has already faced a difficult year with several officer-related tragedies.
The female driver of the Ford Explorer was also rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Her identity has not yet been released, pending notification of her next of kin. Investigations are still ongoing to determine what caused her to lose control of her vehicle. Preliminary results do not indicate any involvement of alcohol or drugs, but a full toxicology report is expected in the coming days.
Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter had been a dedicated member of the Michigan State Police for several years. As a Motor Carrier Officer, his duties primarily focused on enforcing safety regulations for commercial vehicles, ensuring that trucks and other large vehicles adhered to the state’s stringent safety protocols. Known for his dedication and professionalism, Kerstetter was respected by colleagues and drivers alike. His death has left a significant void in the law enforcement community, with tributes pouring in from fellow officers and the wider public.
Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper released a statement mourning the loss of Kerstetter, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of MCO Daniel Kerstetter, a valued member of our law enforcement family. His commitment to serving and protecting the people of Michigan was unwavering. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
This tragic accident has reignited discussions about road safety and the risks law enforcement officers face while performing their duties. Traffic stops on busy highways are especially perilous, as officers are frequently exposed to fast-moving traffic and unpredictable drivers. In 2022 alone, 64 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic-related incidents nationwide, making it one of the leading causes of on-duty deaths, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the crash that claimed Officer Kerstetter’s life. While the investigation is still in its early stages, police are exploring all potential factors, including weather conditions, the speed of the vehicles involved, and any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the driver losing control.
As the investigation unfolds, the Michigan State Police are urging motorists to be vigilant and cautious when driving, especially near traffic stops or areas where emergency vehicles are present. Michigan’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to slow down and, if possible, move into an adjacent lane when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles with their lights activated. Violators face fines and increased penalties, but the law’s effectiveness relies on public awareness and compliance.
As the state of Michigan mourns the loss of Officer Kerstetter, support from local communities has begun to pour in. A candlelight vigil is being planned in his honor, and fellow officers are organizing a memorial service to pay tribute to his life and service. Officer Kerstetter’s death is a sobering reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily and the ultimate sacrifice that some are called upon to make in the line of duty.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a powerful reminder for everyone to stay vigilant on the roads, especially in high-traffic areas.