State Trooper Struck; Killed Saturday on Interstate

DOWNERS GROVE – A vehicle has struck and killed an Illinois State Police Trooper Saturday afternoon.
ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz announced the line of duty death of District 15 (Downers Grove) Trooper Christopher Lambert.
Trooper Lambert was on the scene of a three-vehicle traffic crash in the left lane on I-294 near Willow Road when while handling that crash another vehicle in traffic failed to stop and struck him. He sustained serious injuries as a result the crash and was then given CPR by an off duty nurse before being transported to an area hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“Trooper Lambert was a great trooper and was respected by those within and from outside the ISP, this is a tremendous loss which could have been prevented and should have never happened,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “Trooper Lambert deliberately placed his vehicle in a position to protect the lives of the victims of the previous crash, and took on the danger himself. He will be remembered for his dedication to the Illinois State Police and for giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the citizens of Illinois.”
Trooper Lambert was a five year veteran of the Illinois State Police District 15 in Downers Grove and was assigned to the Criminal Patrol Team. He was also a prior member of the United States Army.