State trooper stationed in Odessa dies after being hit by car during traffic investigation

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A Texas Highway Patrol trooper based in Odessa was killed after he was struck by a vehicle while investigating a crash in Ector County, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Sunday morning, Sept. 29.

Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, 25, was investigating a crash at about 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 along State Highway 302 when he was struck by a vehicle, according to DPS.

Ramirez Vasquez suffered serious injuries and was taken to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He was then airlifted to a Lubbock-area hospital where he died from his injuries on Saturday, Sept. 28, DPS said.

"There are no words to ease the loss of one of our brothers in uniform," DPS Director Steven McCraw said. "Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez served this state honorably to his very last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten. Today, I ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead."

Ramirez Vasquez began his law enforcement career when he joined DPS in 2023. He was stationed in Odessa.

DPS did not say where his hometown was.

Prior to becoming a state trooper, Ramirez Vasquez served in the U.S. Army and was serving in the National Guard at the time of his death.

He is the 241st DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823, according to the department.

Ramirez Vasquez is survived by his parents and three siblings.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.