A Texas DPS trooper with ties to the Houston area dies in a crash in Ector County a year into his career, the agency said

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Texas Department of Public Safety officer with ties to the Houston area was killed in a crash while investigating another wreck, the agency said.

According to DPS, on September 17, a vehicle struck Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vazquez on State Highway 302 in Ector County in West Texas. First responders took the 25-year-old to a hospital in Odessa before a medical helicopter flew him to a hospital in Lubbock. Facility area.

He died from his injuries on Sept. 28, DPS said.

“There are no words to soften the loss of one of our brothers in uniform,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez honorably served this state until his last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas and the sacrifices he made will never be forgotten.”

On Tuesday, Ramirez Vasquez's DPS colleagues escorted his body through Houston. The agency posted photos on social media of a flag-draped coffin arriving on a plane and relatives waiting for the plane to arrive.

DPS added that Ramirez Vasquez was a year into his law enforcement career when he died. Before joining DPS, he served in the United States Army. While at DPS, he concurrently served in the National Guard.

Ramirez Vasquez was the 241st DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823. He leaves behind his parents and three siblings.