AUSTIN – A Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol trooper died Saturday afternoon in Bell County following a traffic crash.
Senior Trooper Thomas Nipper, 63, was conducting a traffic stop about 3:05 p.m. Saturday on the south bound shoulder of I-35 in Temple when his patrol car was struck from behind by a Chevrolet pickup.
Nipper was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the crash continues, according to police. KPRC 2 is working to learn more about what led to the trooper’s death.
“It is with heavy heart that we must notify our fellow Texans that State Trooper Thomas Nipper died in the line of duty today,” DPS Director Steven McCraw is quoted as saying in a press release. “Today Texas and our DPS family lost one of our finest. Trooper Nipper was a hard-working and selfless man, who proudly served and protected the people of this state. His commitment to duty and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.”
Nipper was commissioned as a trooper in January 1983, and was stationed in Temple.
He is survived by his wife and three children. Funeral arrangements are pending.