Trooper killed while directing traffic

HANOVER Co., Va (WAVY) - A Virginia State Trooper died Friday night after being struck by an SUV while directing traffic in Hanover County.

According to a press release from Virginia State Police Public Relations Director, Corinne Geller, at 9:53 p.m. Friday, Trooper Andrew D. Fox was directing traffic at the intersection of Route 30 and Theme Park Way outside of Kings Dominion in Hanover County when he was struck by a 1992 Jeep Cherokee. 

The intersection is usually controlled by a traffic light, but both the east and west bound lanes of Route 30 were flashing yellow to allow troopers to direct traffic coming from the State Fair and King Dominion. The Cherokee was traveling east on Route 30 when it struck Trooper Fox. 

After the accident, bystanders and troopers raced over to the SUV and lifted it off Trooper Fox. Two troopers provided first aid and administered CPR. Trooper Fox was transported by ambulance to VCU Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

The Jeep Cherokee was driven by an adult female from Doswell, VA who had a juvenile female passenger in the SUV with her. Neither the driver or the passenger were injured in the crash. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash and charges are pending consultation with the Hanover County Commonwealth's Attorney's office. 

Trooper Fox was wearing his reflective, traffic safety vest and was standing with other troopers directing traffic when he was struck. 

The VSP Accident Reconstruction team is assisting with the crash investigation.

In a statement, Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent said, "Trooper Fox's death is a tremendous loss to the Virginia State Police family. He's highly-regarded and respected by his peers and supervisors across the state as a superior trooper, mentor, field training office and instructor. He served the Commonwealth as a public safety professional with genuine valor and pride. We keep his family in our prayers during this incredible difficult time." 

The following arrangements have been made for Trooper Fox:

Wednesday, October 10, 2012: Visitation
The Refreshing Center (Formerly: Pulaski Church of God)
1621 Bob White Blvd
Pulaski, VA 24301

• 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 11, 2012: Funeral Service
2:00 p.m. - The Refreshing Center (Formerly: Pulaski Church of God)
1621 Bob White Blvd
Pulaski, VA 24301    

Trooper Fox will be laid to rest at the Summerfield United Methodist Church Cemetery in Elk Creek, Va., which is in Grayson County. The burial will take place immediately following the funeral service.

Thursday, October 11, 2012: Reception to immediately follow the burial at The Refreshing Center in Pulaski, Va.

In lieu of flowers and/or for those wanting to make memorial contributions, the family asks for all contributions to be made to the Virginia State Police Association Emergency Relief Fund at 6944 Forest Hill Drive, Richmond, VA 23225.

Virginia State Police released the following biographical information about Trooper Andrew D. Fox: