State trooper injured in Mass Pike crash dies

By News Staff

news@abc6.com              

A Massachusetts State Police trooper who was injured in a car crash on the Massachusetts Turnpike has died.              

Authorities announced Wednesday evening that 44-year-old Thomas Clardy had passed away from his injuries. Clardy, a married father of six, was a Marine who joined State Police in 2005.              

The crash happened around noon on the westbound side of the highway near the Charlton Service Plaza.

Colonel Richard McKeon addressed media Wednesday, saying Clardy was on an "accident incident reduction shift" designed to prevent accidents when his cruiser was struck.

Clardy had pulled over a driver for a violation and was working in his cruiser when another vehicle swerved across several lanes and struck him. He was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he later died.              

Colonel McKeon says the driver of the vehicle that struck Clardy’s cruiser, identified as 30-year-old David Njuguna, of Webster, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. He will face charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failing to stay within marked lanes.              

"All who knew him have, today, borne witness to his outstanding character," said Colonel McKeon.

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