Trooper Eric K. Chrisman, 23, died from injuries sustained in a collision with a tractor-trailer while responding to a report of a reckless driver shortly before 6 p.m.
According to a KSP report, Trooper Chrisman was westbound on U.S. 62 in his 2010 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser when he failed to negotiate a curve about two miles west of Grand Rivers. His cruiser crossed into the eastbound lane into the path of an oncoming 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by Richard A. Burnham Jr., 53, of Benton.
The cruiser was impacted on the driver's side. Trooper Chrisman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Livingston County Coroner Jeff Armstrong. Burnham was transported via KSP personnel to the Marshall County Hospital where he was treated and released. Both operators were wearing seatbelts.
Trooper Chrisman was originally from Lawrenceburg and was living in Eddyville while assigned to Lyon County. He had just graduated from the KSP Academy in January. He is reportedly survived by his parents and two siblings.
Trooper Chrisman is only the third KSP officer to die in line of duty since 2000. All three deaths were a result of an automobile crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the state police.
