Georgia trooper killed while investigating crash on I-75 in Clayton County

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Georgia State Patrol Trooper First Class Chase Redner was killed in the line of duty while investigating a crash in Clayton County on Monday night, the Georgia Department of Public Safety announced.

Redner was investigating a fatal vehicle crash involving a construction worker on Interstate 75 North on Feb. 20 near Mt. Zion Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle, according to GDPS.

He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where he passed away.

GSP trooper killed in Clayton County

GSP investigators say a black Kia ventured into the construction zone and struck and killed a construction employee.

Trooper Redner was on the scene investigating when he was struck and killed while outside his patrol car. 

The crash is being investigated by the Troop C Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team.

It is unknown if the driver of the vehicle that struck the trooper will be charged. 

Who is Chase Redner?

Redner was a graduate of the 103rd Trooper School and had been employed with GSP since 2017.

He most recently was a member of the GSP Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team, the same team which is now tasked with investigating his death.

"The Department of Public Safety sends its sincerest condolences and prayers to TFC Redner’s family and co-workers. Please keep TFC Redner’s family in your prayers as they cope with the loss of their loved one," the Georgia Department of Public Safety wrote on its Facebook page.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp released a statement on social media saying that he and his family are devastated by the news of Trooper Redner's sudden and tragic passing. 

The governor wrote: 

"Marty, the girls, and I are devastated by the news of Trooper Chase Redner's sudden and tragic passing. As the second state patrolman to die in the line of duty in less than a month, our hearts are broken for his mother and fiancée, for his friends and community, and for the entire department of public safety family."

Second GSP trooper death this year

This is the second Georgia trooper to be killed in the line of duty in less than a month. Georgia State Trooper Jimmy Cenescar died after a crash on Sunday, Jan. 28, while attempting to stop a motorcycle for a traffic violation on Interstate 85. Cenescar's vehicle left the road and struck an embankment. Emergency personnel responded and attempted life-saving measures before he was rushed to Northside Gwinnett Hospital where he passed away.

Cenescar was born in Haiti and was inspired by his aunt to pursue his law enforcement career, despite aspiring to be an astronaut.

He was laid to rest earlier this month.