Texas Trooper Killed in Semi-Trailer Crash; Another Seriously Injured in Separate Incident

AUSTIN, TX — Two Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were involved in separate on-duty incidents involving semi-trailers this week, one resulting in a fatality and the other in serious injuries. 

Trooper Sergio Romero, 27, was killed Wednesday afternoon in Childress County when his patrol vehicle collided with a truck-tractor semi-trailer on U.S. Highway 287 near Childress, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported. 

Romero was attempting to conduct a traffic stop when the semi-trailer pulled out in front of his patrol unit. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. 

Romero, who was stationed in Childress, is survived by his wife, Francisca, and their two young sons. He previously served with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office before joining the DPS Highway Patrol as a member of Recruit Class B-2025.

DPS Col. Freeman F. Martin said in a statement:

 “Today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. Trooper Sergio Romero served the people of his community and the state of Texas with courage, integrity and selfless devotion. Our hearts break alongside his family, friends, fellow Troopers and all who loved him. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of his fellow Texans.”

Romero is the 244th DPS officer to die in the line of duty. 

In a separate incident, Trooper Kurt Kelm, who serves the Brazos Valley and surrounding region, suffered severe facial injuries while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection along Interstate 45 in Leon County. 

According to the DPS Troopers Foundation, Kelm fell through a rotten board on the deck of a trailer he was inspecting and struck his face on the edge of the semi-trailer. He suffered numerous broken bones in his face and is expected to undergo multiple surgeries and face a long recovery. 

Kelm’s wife is pregnant with the couple’s third child. The DPS Troopers Foundation has launched a Help A Hero fundraising campaign to help ease the financial burden on the family. Organizers say 100% of donations made through the campaign will go directly to the Kelm family. 

Community members are encouraged to keep Kelm, his wife and their children in their thoughts and prayers as he begins his recovery.

You can find the fundraiser HERE.