A speeding Minnesota state trooper was involved in a fatal crash that took the life of a high school cheerleader, Olivia Flores, shortly before her graduation. The trooper, Shane Roper, was charged with manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, and other offenses for the incident that occurred on May 18. Roper allegedly hit speeds as high as 135 mph without his lights and sirens on, which was 99 mph over the speed limit. The crash resulted in Olivia Flores’ death and injuries to five others.
Flores’ family expressed their devastation over the loss of their daughter, emphasizing that the tragedy was preventable and caused by gross negligence. The community mourned the loss of Olivia, who was described as a vibrant and sweet girl by those who knew her. The impact of her death was profound, affecting her friends, family, and the community at large.
The law firm representing Flores’ family revealed that Roper had a history of reckless driving while on duty, including previous crashes due to excessive speed and inattentive driving. The Rochester Police Department released a statement condemning Roper’s actions, emphasizing that his conduct violated the State Patrol’s Core Values and resulted in the death of a young woman and serious injuries to others.
Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem denounced Roper’s actions, stating that his reckless driving caused the death of Olivia Flores and serious injuries to others. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic offered condolences to Flores’ family and the other individuals affected by the crash, noting that Roper is on paid leave while the case is being resolved.
The tragic incident involving the speeding state trooper serves as a reminder of the importance of following traffic laws and exercising caution while driving. The loss of Olivia Flores has left a lasting impact on her community, with many coming together to mourn her passing and seek justice for the senseless tragedy.