Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines passed away after suffering an injury at a college football game. On September 6, during the FAU vs FAMU game at Boca Raton, Gaines was on the sidelines providing security for the Rattlers’ coach, James Colzie III. During the first play of the third quarter, the policeman was unintentionally injured when the on-field tackle spilled out of bounds. Gaines “shook [it] off” initially, but returned to work. Later, the medical facilities found that he suffered a broken leg. In the span of two weeks, Craig’s condition worsened, so much so that he passed away from medical complications of the injury on September 19. The Fraternal Order of Florida State Lodge reportedly confirmed the news on its Facebook handle. 

As soon as the news was confirmed, a spokesperson for Florida Atlantic University Athletics released a condolence message to the family, friends, Florida A&M University, and all the people associated with him. “Florida Atlantic University Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines,” an FAU spokesperson said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to the Gaines family, Florida A&M University, FHP, and to all those who knew and loved him.”

Colzie, for whom Gaines was providing security during the game, wrote a heartfelt message on X. He remembered what the trooper used to say to him and wrote, “I always got you, Coach Colzie, Rest Easy my FRIEND!!” #TROOPERGAINES”

FAU Panthers’ head coach Willie Simmons shared his memories with the Florida trooper. He said that Craig used to escort him everywhere for the last 6 years, for 5 straight games. “For 6 years, you went everywhere I went on away trips (even some places we shouldn’t have gone)! LOL You escorted me on and off the field for 58 straight games!” Simmons wrote on X. “The laughs shared between me, you, Troy, Jimmy, and Detrick will never be forgotten! I wasn’t prepared to get the news Friday of your passing! Rest in Heaven, brother! We love you, Craig!!!”

Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, gave a tribute to the service of Gaines, sending prayers to the family. “Today, we honor the life and service of Senior Trooper Craig Gaines, a dedicated member of the Florida Highway Patrol,” he wrote. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow troopers, and all the lives he touched. May his memory and his service never be forgotten.”

Football fans pour prayers on Craig Gaines’ passing

The Troopers’ passing shocked the football fans, as they started pouring prayers for his family, friends, and people who knew him. Wakulla High School’s DL coach, who was a graduate of Florida A&M University, wrote, “Solid dude man RIP Trooper Gaines.” A fan learnt how fragile life is, knowing how a regular football game turned deadly: “Tragic story… a routine football game turns deadly in the most unexpected way. Shows how fragile life really is.”

Someone else from Florida, who knew Craig’s service, thanked him, “God Bless! Thank you and your loved ones for your service. RIP Graig A. Gaines.” Another fan chimed in, “Trooper Gaines is a hero. Rest in peace,” praising his contributions. One person stated that God is too speedy. “Stand up, guy, RIP Mr Gaines,” a guy who knew him wrote. A woman, who is from the same place as Craig, sent prayers for his family. 

His funeral was held on September 29 in his hometown. For people who couldn’t attend the funeral, the video of the event was broadcast live on YouTube.