Massachusetts State Police are mourning the loss of one of their own after a serious crash.
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Clardy was 44 years old, a Marine Corps veteran and had been with the Massachusetts State Police for 11 years. He joined the State Police in 2005, officials said.
That multi-vehicle crash occurred around 12 p.m. Wednesday near Exit 9 in the Charlton/Sturbridge area.
Colonel Richard McKeon addressed media Wednesday, saying Clardy was on an “accident incident reduction shift” created to prevent accidents when his cruiser was struck.
At a news conference at the State Police barracks on Wednesday, officials said Clardy stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation.
“For reasons that are still under investigation, the Maxima suddenly swerved to the right, crossed all three travel lanes and without slowing struck the rear of Trooper Clardy’s cruiser with the trooper inside”, he said.
Authorities say the trooper was taken to the hospital via helicopter.
“Today we pray for him and we pray for them”, McKeon said.
This image provided by the Massachusetts State Police shows Thomas Clardy.
Trooper Clardy is survived by his wife and their six children, who range in age from 4 to 17 years old.
Witnesses told police Njuguna’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, McKeon said.
State Police were on scene for most of the day investigating the crash.
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“Lauren and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Trooper Thomas Clardy who tragically lost his life in the line of duty”, Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement. “He was known for his professionalism and dedication”.
