*Updated to add the name of the semi-truck driver.

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 2/8/2024:  Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says the driver of the semi-truck killed along with trooper Zachary Fink was 55-year-old Arsenio Mas of Homestead, Florida.

ORIGINAL 2/2/2024: The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is mourning the loss of one of its troopers.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says FHP announced the death of trooper Zachary Fink who was a part of Troop L, Port St. Lucie.

They say early Friday morning, St. Lucie County deputies saw a white Kia driving at a high rate of speed. When the deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the vehicle fled from the scene, according to FLHSMV.

Trooper Fink was in the area and observed the same vehicle make a U-turn and then begin to drive in the wrong direction. Troopers say when Fink attempted to make a U-Turn, his vehicle was hit by a semi-truck near mile marker 120 southbound on Interstate 95.

They say both Fink and the driver of the semi-truck died in the collision. FHP says the driver of the Kia fled off of the interstate, then crashed the car on Commerce Center Drive near Brandywine Lane. They say around 8:00 a.m. Friday, troopers and St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a person of interest in the case.

FLHSMV says Trooper Fink was a part of the 146th recruit class and graduated from the FHP academy on December 18, 2020.

“Today is a sad and difficult day for the profession of law enforcement,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “FHP has a proud history, and Trooper Fink is a hero who died while helping people, something he was passionate about since the age of six. This dedication and love for helping others defines FHP and the FHP family honors his service and pray for everyone who lost a loved one today.”

Trooper Fink is survived by his mother, father and fiancée who are all residents of Port St. Lucie.

“Trooper Fink died a hero protecting and serving his community,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “After speaking with his family, I can say that Trooper Fink was living his dream as a Florida State Trooper when a felon tragically took his life. As a first responder, sacrifice is not new; it is daily and experienced while living, when missing breakfast with family, or when at work instead of with family. We appreciate Trooper Fink’s sacrifice and know that the people of Florida are safer because of his commitment to keeping them safe.”

FLHSMV says the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office will be handling the criminal investigation, and the traffic homicide investigation will be handled by FHP.