Funeral for State Trooper who was killed Saturday

Historic City News has been informed by Troop B Public Affairs Officer, Corporal Robert Hinton, of the date and times for the visitation and funeral of 30-year-old FHP Trooper Chelsea Richard; killed Saturday at about 2:10 p.m. along I-75 in Marion County while she was investigating another crash. Richard is the 45th Florida Highway Patrol Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.

Flowers can be sent to the church. Although a trust fund for Trooper Richard’s daughter has not yet been established, according to Sergeant Tracy Hisler-Pace, the family is working on that.

Visitation for Trooper Richard will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 7th with the funeral starting at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Ocala, located at 2801 SE Maricamp Road (SR-464) in Ocala.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators continue to piece together the events that led to a multiple car crash in the southbound lanes of I-75 at Mile Marker 341 in Marion County.

According to the most recent reports filed, Trooper Chelsea Richard was completing a single vehicle crash investigation in the center median when a truck driven by Troy T. Owens of Ocala traveled into the median striking Trooper Richard, and two other pedestrians; John Duggan and George R. Phillips.

Trooper Richard and Duggan were pronounced dead at the scene. Phillips died later that evening at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

Investigators are in the beginning stages to sort through the physical evidence and witness statements relating to this crash. Additional information on the crash and those involved will be disseminated in the upcoming weeks.

Charges are pending the completion of the traffic homicide investigation which could take several months.