Death of New Jersey state trooper during training incident prompts investigation
Trooper Marcellus Bethea was a state trooper for eight years and worked out of the Moorestown Station in Burlington County.
More Stories
The New Jersey State Police are dealing with the loss of one of their own.
Trooper Marcellus Bethea died during a training exercise over the weekend at the state police headquarters in Ewing.
Bethea was a state trooper for eight years and worked out of the Moorestown Station in Burlington County.
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death.
Police officials say Bethea was at headquarters, attempting to become a member of the TEAMS Unit, an elite unit within the department, when he died.
RELATED: New Jersey state trooper dies in training incident
The New Jersey State Police website states, “Members are selected based on written resume, physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview, and the successful completion of the physically and mentally demanding underwater recovery course.”
Gov. Phil Murphy extended his condolences over the loss saying, “Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age, participating in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week while a student at Burlington Regional High School, and later graduating from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class.”
State Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, “I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, and together, New Jersey grieves with them and with every member of the New Jersey State Police.”
Funeral arrangements for Bethea will be announced later this week.
