LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings and within the state Capitol complex on Tuesday in honor of Michigan State Police Trooper Timothy O'Neill.
The 28-year-old state trooper was on patrol with his department motorcycle about 7:45 a.m. Sept 20 when he was involved in a crash near the intersection of Wolverine Boulevard and Belding Road in Plainfield Township. No one else was injured, and the cause of crash remains under investigation, state police said.
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A funeral will be held for O'Neill on Tuesday in Auburn Hills.
"Michigan is mourning the loss of Trooper O'Neill. He gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to all Michiganders and will be deeply missed," Snyder said. "I send my heartfelt condolences to Trooper O'Neill's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."
O'Neill enlisted with Michigan State Police in January 2014 and has served at the Rockford Post his entire career.
He is survived by his mother, father, brother, sister and fiancé. He was set to be married on Oct. 7, 2017.
His family released this statement on Tuesday:
On behalf of Tim’s entire family, we would like to thank the citizens of the state of Michigan and across the country for their support during this tragedy. This loss of our son, brother, grandson, fiancé, friend and state trooper is great sorrow for us all.
We express our gratitude to the Michigan State Police, the Michigan State Police Troopers Association and the Athens Clark County Police Department in Georgia for the overwhelming care they have shown all of us. The troopers have provided 24/7 care and attention, as well as meals, housing and transportation. We cannot express in words how much their love and concern has meant to us.
We want to thank all of those who have reached out to us through social media and by making donations in Tim’s honor. This has been a very difficult time for our family, but knowing we have care and compassion from people around the nation brings us comfort in our pain. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other families impacted by tragedies across the country.
Our hearts also go out to the families of other recently fallen officers. You are not alone. May we share this burden together.
Thank you.
Flag lowering guidelines
According to the governor's office, this flag order is in accordance with Executive Order 2013-10. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position. The flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
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