EVERETT, Wash. — A public memorial service for Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher Gadd will be held on March 12, WSP announced.
Gadd was working when he was hit by a driver on southbound Interstate 5 near Marysville just before 3 a.m. on Saturday, 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.
There will be a ceremonial procession ahead of a memorial service. The procession travels from Tulalip Resort and Casino to Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett beginning at 11 a.m. on March 12.
The memorial service at Angel of the Winds Arena will begin at 1 p.m.
Gadd, 27, is survived by his wife and 2-year-old daughter.
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 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 as he has not been charged formally with a crime.