TAMPA, FL – Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa is mourning the loss of one of their own, Trooper Zachary Fink, who was fatally hit by a semi-truck on Interstate 95 during a pursuit on Friday morning. According to reports, Fink was in pursuit of a reckless driver in a Kia car, who was speeding excessively.
When the suspect failed to pull over and instead veered his vehicle in the wrong direction, Fink tried to follow by executing a U-turn. Tragically, it was during this maneuver that he collided with a semi-truck. In the ensuing crash, both Fink and the semi-truck driver were pronounced dead.
The suspect fled from the scene but subsequently crashed and abandoned his vehicle. Although a person of interest has been apprehended, information regarding the charges the suspect may face remains unreleased. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to probe into the incident.
The law enforcement community is grieving the loss of Fink, who they lauded as a dedicated hero who served with passion since a young age. Having graduated with the 146th recruit class in December 2020, he served in Troop L, Port St. Lucie until his untimely death.
Trooper Fink was memorialized for his service to the community. Police have stated that his commitment to keeping the public safe exemplifies the sacrifices that first responders make daily. Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis also expressed his sympathies on social media.
Trooper Fink is survived by his parents and his fiancée.