Community mourns loss, honors legacy of 27-year-old trooper killed in the line of duty

MARYSVILLE, Wash. — The memorial for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper who died in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 Saturday morning continues to grow at WSP's Marysville headquarters.

People stopped by and brought flowers. They also took time for reflection, leaving condolences for Trooper Christopher Gadd in their own way.

Brenda Israelson and Rhonda Dietrich are sisters. They traveled from Arlington to the memorial.

“I brought some flowers, and I was so moved by the loss of one of our police officers, our state patrol. I also know he has a family, and I thought about them,” Israelson said, “I know he’s got a little one and his wife. I just pray that they will be comforted.”

“I so admire the policemen. They know how dangerous it is. They take the risk every day to serve our community,” Dietrich said.

Gadd was just 27 years old when he was killed in the line of duty. He was hit by a vehicle while looking for DUI drivers on I-5 on Saturday morning.

A 32-year-old Lynnwood man was taken into custody for vehicular homicide.

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“Chris leaves behind also a beautiful young daughter, two years old, Kaelyn. I’ve conveyed to the family, our profound sorrow,” WSP Chief John R. Batiste said.

Gadd is survived by his wife Cammryn. The two were married in January of 2020. Two years later they welcomed their daughter.

He comes from a law enforcement family. His father is a WSP Trooper. Gadd’s sister is a trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Gadd was born in Pasco, Wash. He graduated from Kentlake High School in Kent. He then attended Green River College and Tacoma Community College and earned his EMT Certification.

In September of 2021, he began his career with the Washington State Patrol. Gadd received the Top Academic Award, an award that recognizes the cadet who attains the highest grade point average.

Upon graduation, in November of 2022, he was assigned to serve in Marysville.

Gadd is the 33rd member of WSP to die in the line of duty in the agency’s 103-year history.

"We will honor Chris, even in sorrow, but as an agency, we will go on," Batiste said. "The people of this great state needs to know that we will continue to serve them, with humility.”