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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper has died from complications stemming from a leg injury he suffered while providing security at a college football game, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) said.
Senior Trooper Craig Gaines died on Sept. 19, about two weeks after being injured at a Florida A&M University football game. Officials said Gaines was assigned as the lead security for Head Coach James Colzie III and would regularly travel with the team for away games.
Gaines was unintentionally struck by players while standing on the sideline at FAMU’s game against Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on Sept. 6, according to the FOP.
Officials said Gaines initially “shook off” the impact, but after experiencing pain and undergoing an evaluation, he learned his leg was fractured.
Gaines was off-duty at his home on Sept. 19 when he began feeling ill and called FHP dispatch for assistance. The FOP said Gaines “rapidly deteriorated” during the call, and despite life-saving actions, “tragically passed.”
It was determined that Gaines’ death was related to the medical issues he experienced from his leg injury on Sept. 6, according to the FOP.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaines family and the Florida Highway Patrol community,” a Facebook post from the organization read.
Colzie shared his sentiments as well, writing in a post to X, “Rest Easy my FRIEND!!” while apparently quoting Gaines: “I always got you Coach Colzie.”
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