FHP trooper killed in crash on SR 408 in Orlando remembered as leader, mentor

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 31-year-old Florida Highway Patrol trooper died Friday morning in a crash on State Road 408 in Orlando, officials said.

Investigators said FHP Trooper Tracy Vickers crashed into an empty construction truck parked on the road shoulder shortly before 6 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of SR 408 near the South Conway Road exit.

Troopers said the truck was used in overnight construction.

Vickers had served as a trooper for four years and previously served in the U.S. Navy, officials said.

He served as a field training officer and served on FHP's Quick Response Force, FHP Col. Gene Spaulding said during a Friday news conference.

"He was a mentor," he said.

Spaulding said Vickers was ending his shift and was on his way home when he crashed.

Vickers is the 48th FHP trooper to die in the line of duty, Spaulding said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Read the agency's full statement below:

"The entire FLHSMV family and his FHP brothers and sisters are heartbroken today as we mourn the loss of Trooper Tracy Vickers. Trooper Vickers was a leader within the patrol and his troop and served as a Field Training Officer, training and mentoring new troopers. He served central Florida and the state for just over 4 years, selflessly protecting Florida's citizens and visitors. Please keep his family in your prayers."

- FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes<br/> - FHP Colonel Gene Spaulding

Watch troopers salute Vickers as his body was escorted to the medical examiner's office:

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