Mass. State Police trooper hospitalized in ICU after crash involving OUI driver in Utah
A Massachusetts State Police trooper is hospitalized in the ICU with critical injuries after he was involved in a crash in Utah last week, officials said.
Trooper Matthew McRae, of the state police Belchertown barracks, was a passenger in a rideshare vehicle in Salt Lake City that was struck early Friday morning by a driver who was later arrested for operating under the influence, according to the State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara.
While McRae remains in the ICU at the University of Utah Hospital, his health is “slowly improving,” McNamara said.
McNamara noted that McRae’s immediate family has traveled out to Utah to be by his side as he recovers from the crash.
In a statement, McRae’s family said, “We would like to express our immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for Matthew and our family...Matthew’s current condition remains critical. In light of that status, we have witnessed firsthand the fight and determination Matthew has within him. We know him to be a fighter and one who stands up for the things he believes in.”
In a GoFundMe that has been set up on behalf of McRae, his family said he suffered “several broken bones including a broken neck and spinal injury,” in the wreck.
“The goal of this GoFundMe is to raise money for a potential medical transport flight as well as any care he may need as he progresses,” the fundraiser stated. “The expenses for Matthew’s medical treatment and other unforeseen costs may be significant and any little bit will help.”
McRae has been a trooper for four years, according to his family. He previously served three years with a local police department.
The crash remains under investigation.
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