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Washington State Patrol mourns Trooper who died from COVID-19


Trooper Detective Eric Gunderson (Washington State Patrol){ }
Trooper Detective Eric Gunderson (Washington State Patrol)
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The Washington State Patrol is mourning the loss of one of their own.

WSP confirmed Sunday "with heavy hearts, fond memories, and enduring regard" the loss of Trooper Detective Eric Gunderson. Authorities said he died early Sunday after battling COVID-19, which he contracted while working. WSP said he served the state patrol for nearly 16 years.

At 38-years-old, he leaves behind a wife and two sons.

Eric is the 32nd member of the Washington State Patrol family to die in the line of duty in the agency’s 100 years of service to this state.

Since he was first hired in 2005, Gunderson has worked as a technology liaison in the criminal investigation division and was even a member of the WSP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

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"Eric was well regarded for his understanding and embrace of available technologies in law enforcement. An early adopter and enthusiast of unmanned aerial technology, his work with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been chronicled in media stories across the nation. His pioneering work has allowed the state to shorten the time of road closures during collision investigations and of specific note, his work after the 2017 Amtrak passenger train derailment in DuPont gained wide acclaim and appreciation for its precision and value. Eric traveled around the country representing the WSP as the premiere agency in the world for UAV usage."

WSP said Gunderson contracted COVID-19 when he was on one of these trips.

State authorities said planning for a memorial service will be underway following guidance from family.



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