Nov 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.11

AROUND THE

AROUND THE COUNTRYTALLAHASSEE, FL.Senior Trooper Craig Gaines passed away from complicationsrelated to a leg fracture he received while providing lead securitydetail for the head coach of the Florida A&M Football TeamTragedy struck in Florida lastmonth when a Florida HighwayPatrol trooper died following asideline hit while working a collegefootball game.Trooper Craig Gaines died Sept.19 at his home in the Tallahasseearea, less than two weeks after hewas accidentally run into whileserving as lead security for FloridaA&M head coach James Colzieduring a road game against FloridaAtlantic University on Sept. 6 inBoca Raton."During the game, while on theFAMU sideline, Trooper Gaineswas unintentionally struck byplayers at the conclusion of aplay," said a post from the FraternalOrder of Police Florida StateLodge Facebook page. "TrooperGaines initially 'shook off' the impact,but after experiencing painand following an evaluation it wasconcluded Trooper Gaines suffereda fractured leg."The post goes on to say Gaineswas at home on Sept. 19 whenhe began feeling ill and calledfor medical assistance. Despitelife-saving measures, he "rapidlydeteriorated" and eventuallypassed away.Gaines died from medicalcomplications stemming from hisbroken leg.Gaines was only 58 years old,leaving behind a wife and threechildren. A law enforcementofficer since 2008, he previouslyserved in the Navy.After news of Gaines' deathspread, tributes poured in fromthe law enforcement and footballworlds."Rest Easy my FRIEND!!" wroteFAMU head coach Colzie on X/Twitter.“Florida Atlantic University Athleticsis deeply saddened to learnof the passing of Florida HighwayPatrol Trooper Craig Gaines," aspokesperson for FAU's athleticdepartment said in a statement,via the Palm Beach Post."We extend our condolences tothe Gaines family, Florida A&MUniversity, FHP, and to all thosethat knew and loved him.”"For 6 years you went everywhereI went on away trips. Youescorted me on and off the fieldfor 58 straight games!" said FIUhead coach Willie Simmons, whopreviously led the FAMU programfrom 2018-23. "I wasn't preparedto get the news Friday of yourpassing. Rest in Heaven brother!"TROOPER CRAIG GAINES"Today, we honor the life andservice of Senior Trooper CraigGaines, a dedicated member ofthe Florida Highway Patrol," saidAnastasios Kamoutsas, the FloridaCommissioner of Education. "Mythoughts and prayers are with hisfamily, fellow troopers, and all thelives he touched. May his memoryand his service never be forgotten."Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis alsoordered flags throughout the stateto be deployed at half-staff onMonday in memory of Gaines.34 The BLUES NOVEMBER ‘25

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