Authorities say two Pennsylvania State Police troopers, along with a male civilian, are dead following an early morning crash Monday in Philadelphia.
During a press conference Monday, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick identified the two troopers killed as 33-year-old Trooper Martin Mack III and 29-year-old Trooper Branden Sisca.
The two troopers were struck and killed by a driver on Interstate 95 south around 1 a.m. in the area of milepost 18.
Authorities say the male pedestrian was also struck and killed at the same time.
Investigators say the troopers responded to reports of a man walking on I-95 and as they were helping him into the back of their cruiser, a female suspect tried to drive past the scene.
They say the driver hit all three of the men and remained on scene.
“Our department is heartbroken with the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Philadelphia,” said Colonel Evanchick. “We ask our fellow Pennsylvanians to keep the families of our troopers and the pedestrian in their thoughts. This is an extremely difficult time.”
Mack enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class, while Sisca enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in February 2021 and graduated as a member of the 161st cadet class.
Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia, officials say.
Meanwhile, Gov. Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag to fly at half-staff in honor of the troopers.
The flag will remain at half-staff until sunset Friday.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving,” said Gov. Wolf. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices—our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served.”
