A statie on vacation in Utah was seriously injured when an alleged drunk driver slammed into the rideshare vehicle that the trooper was traveling in, sending the statie to the ICU where he remained in critical condition on Monday.
Massachusetts State Police Trooper Matthew McRae has “already defied the odds” following the Friday morning vehicle wreck in Salt Lake City, according to his family. The trooper from the State Police Belchertown Barracks suffered several broken bones, including a broken neck and spinal injury.
Although McRae remained in critical condition in the ICU at the University of Utah Hospital on Monday, his health was reportedly “slowly improving and we eagerly await his return to Massachusetts,” State Police Association of Massachusetts President Patrick McNamara said in a statement.
McRae, a statie for the past four years who was previously a local police officer, was the passenger of a rideshare that was struck by a driver who was arrested for operating under the influence. McRae, another passenger, and the rideshare driver were all transported to the hospital with severe injuries.
“Matthew’s current condition remains critical,” his family said in a statement. “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.
“He has already defied the odds and continues to fight this very minute here in this hospital for his life,” his family added.
A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for a potential medical transport flight, as well as for any care he may need moving forward.
“For those who know Matthew, we can agree that he is a generous and fun-loving person,” the GoFundMe page reads. “He has helped so many people within his personal and professional life, now it is time to help him.”
The GoFundMe page, “Help us to raise money on behalf of Matthew McRae,” had already raised more than $75,000 as of Monday afternoon.
“We would like to express our immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for Matthew and our family,” his family said. “We cannot adequately express our gratitude to everyone who has been supporting us, praying for us, and helping guide us through this terrible time.”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-to-raise-money-on-behalf-of-matthew-mcrae.
