Kenneth Velez - Ohio State Highway Patrol - Fatality

Kenneth Velez

Trooper Kenneth Velez, age 48, died in the line of duty on September 15, 2016, in Ohio.

Trooper Velez was a member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He had 27 years of service.

Just before 1:00 p.m., Ken was conducting a traffic stop on an Interstate in Cuyahoga County, near Cleveland. He was standing outside of his patrol car when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

The driver of that vehicle, Joshua Gaspar, age 37, of Columbia Station, Ohio, was arrested in connection with this accident. He may be charged with vehicular homicide. He may have been driving under the influence of drugs. 

Joshua Gaspar is innocent unless proven guilty.

Michael, Patron Saint of the
Police, pray for Kenneth
and for those who have lost him.

However, we offer this advice to all drivers: If you find that you are drunk, wasted or doped up on street drugs or prescription drugs or if you are falling asleep on your feet, do NOT drive. Call a family member or a friend for a ride; or take a taxi or a bus; or stay where you are until you sober up; or crawl home on your hands and knees. It will be better for you and for the world if you do.

Regret can last a lifetime.

The members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are in mourning over the death of their brother. He was a professional who loved his job. He was well-liked by his co-workers. He will be forever remembered.

Ken's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He loved his family. He did his best. He will be forever mourned.

Ken is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members who will forever miss him.

Thank you for your service to the community, Kenny. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

God save us from the drunk and the doped up drivers. They are killing us, Father. Amen.

Pray that Ken is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.