Tragedy struck this weekend as New Jersey State Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea lost his life during a training exercise. Bethea, an 8-year veteran of the New Jersey State Police, was training to join the elite TEAMS Unit at the state police headquarters in Ewing when he died.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin expressed the state’s deep sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the devastating loss of Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, a dedicated member of New Jersey State Police Troop D.”
Gov. Phil Murphy also paid tribute to Bethea, stating, “Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age… he embodied Honor, Duty, and Fidelity in its highest form every day and in everything he did.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bethea’s death is currently underway, although details have not been released.