BOWMAN, S.C. (WBTV) - A trooper died just days after being hit by a box truck during a traffic stop in South Carolina this month.

Trooper Dennis Ricks, 30, who has been with the highway patrol since 2023, died on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

“This is a profound loss for Trooper Ricks’ family, friends, our agency, and our law enforcement community,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV.

Ricks was described as an incredible man and a gentle giant.

“He is truly the love of my life,” said his wife, Jade. “Dennis is my safe place, my strength. He is the kindest, sweetest, and most gentle soul. To say he is a phenomenal man and husband is quite an understatement.”

What happened

The collision reportedly happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, along Interstate 26 in Orangeburg County.

Trooper

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