EVERETT, Wash. — Loved ones and members of the Washington State Patrol (WSP) honored trooper Christopher Gadd in a public memorial on Tuesday in Everett.
Gadd was working when he was hit by a driver on southbound Interstate 5 near Marysville just before 3 a.m. on March 2. He died at the scene.
Authorities said the suspect was driving at a high rate of speed when he struck Gadd's patrol vehicle.
Pastor Matt Krachunis said at Gadd's public memorial service on Tuesday afternoon that he's known the family for over two decades. Krachunis remembered fondly the many days Gadd would come over to his house as a child to hang out with his son.
“Chris was an awesome, honorable man, husband, father, son and friend," Krachunis said. "Chris was a fantastic, wonderful human being. He deeply loved others and was deeply loved by others. Man, he was awesome. The world was better with him in it."
WSP Capt. Ron Mead said Gadd's loss was "devastating" in his remarks on Tuesday.
“Our entire community mourns with them and we will support them through this tragedy and beyond," Mead said. “I can’t make any promises but I can make one: We will never forget. We will never forget Chris.”
WSP corporal Alexis Robinson was an academy instructor and counselor while Gadd worked his way toward becoming a trooper. Robinson called Gadd a quiet leader who was dedicated to his classmates.
“It hurts right now – all the big and all the little things," Robinson said. "But one day all those little things will make us smile, laugh and make us happy. The little things are the big things.”
When Robinson was asked to speak at Gadd's memorial she said she was initially "flabbergasted" with the responsibility. But once she collected herself, Robinson said she wanted to honor a man she was grateful to have known.
“It’s not fair and it’s not right, but it’s with a servant's heart that Chris lived," Robinson said. "It’s that example that we should strive for. If something is worth dying for, then it’s worth living for. Rest easy, Chris. We’ll hold the line.”
Gadd, 27, is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
In a statement, Gadd's family extended gratitude for the community for their support.
"Witnessing the seats of the arena filled with representatives from across the country was warming to our hearts as we came together to honor a beloved husband, father, son and brother," the statement read in part. "We deeply appreciate all who have reached out and shown your love to our family during this difficult time. We will continue on this difficult journey together privately as a family."
WATCH: Full memorial for trooper Gadd
Gadd was born in Pasco, Wash., on Sept. 28, 1996. He graduated from Kentlake High School in 2015 and attended Green River College and Tacoma Community College, where he earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Gadd began working with the WSP on Sept. 16, 2021, as a cadet in Grandview, Wash. In April 2022, he was transferred to the training division to become part of the 116th Trooper Basic Training class. WSP Chief Batiste said several people in his class continued to work with him in the district.
Gadd rose to the top of his class, graduating on Nov. 16, 2022, and earning a top academic award which recognizes the cadet who attains the highest grade point average over 30 exams and quizzes during their training.
The suspect accused of causing the collision was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. KING 5 is not naming the suspect at this time because he has not been charged formally with a crime.