State Trooper, an Army Veteran, Dies in Fiery Car Crash: ‘He Had So Much Life Ahead of Him’

People across Texas are mourning the loss of a Department of Public Safety (DPS) officer who died in the line of duty.

Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Jerry Wayne Adamick Jr., 44, was killed on Monday, Sept. 15, when his vehicle went off the road, hit a tree, and caught fire. He had been responding to an emergency call around 9:15 p.m. along FM 945 Road South in San Jacinto County.

DPS confirmed his death the next day, saying Adamick died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

“Our hearts are broken today,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. Adamick, a U.S. Army veteran, had served for more than 20 years. “Trooper Adamick bravely served our country for many years, and we were proud to have him choose to continue his service as part of the DPS family.”

Martin also shared, “He had so much life ahead of him, and today we grieve with his family and friends.”

Adamick is survived by his wife, Roxanne, and five adult children. He was a member of DPS’ Class A-2024 and was honored with the Veterans National Defense Award in June.

Although funeral plans are still being arranged, a procession from Beaumont to his home in Huntsville was held on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

In a Facebook post after the procession, DPS wrote, “DPS would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who paid tribute to fallen DPS Trooper Jerry Wayne Adamick Jr. … We are thankful for the support for Trooper Adamick’s family, his colleagues and the department as we grieve his loss and prepare to lay him to rest.”

Texas Rep. Janis Holt was among those who paid tribute on social media. In her post, she wrote, “Trooper Adamick exemplified the courage, dedication, and selflessness that define the department. … His wife and mother said he loved being a trooper — it was his dream job.”