BOCA RATON, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines, 58, died on Sept. 19 from medical complications stemming from a broken leg he suffered on the sidelines of a college football game nearly two weeks earlier, the Palm Beach Post reported.
Gaines, who was off duty at the time of his death, was providing security for Florida A&M University football coach James Colzie III during a Sept. 6 game against Florida Atlantic University at FAU Stadium when the incident occurred, according to the report.
Video footage from the game shows that the injury happened on the first play of the third quarter, when FAU wide receiver Jayshon Platt was pushed out of bounds after a 16-yard run. A pursuing FAMU defender accidentally collided with Gaines, who was standing on the FAMU sideline.
Gaines initially “shook off” the hit, according to a statement from the Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Lodge, but a later medical evaluation revealed he had sustained a broken leg. The injury, while not initially believed to be life-threatening, led to serious medical complications.
On Sept. 19, Gaines began feeling ill at his Tallahassee-area home and called FHP dispatch for help. His condition rapidly declined, and despite lifesaving efforts from emergency responders, he died.
Gaines had served with the Florida Highway Patrol since 2008, previously working for the Havana Police Department and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, according to the report. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran.
Gaines was assigned to FHP Troop H’s Quincy district and regularly worked as lead security for FAMU football coaches, accompanying them during home and away games.
Tributes poured in from across the state, including from FAU Athletics, FHP, and current and former FAMU coaches.
“Florida Atlantic University Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines,” FAU said in a statement. “We extend our condolences to the Gaines family, Florida A&M University, FHP, and all those that knew and loved him.”
“Rest Easy my FRIEND!!” FAMU coach James Colzie III posted on social media.
“For six years you went everywhere I went on away trips. You escorted me on and off the field for 58 straight games!” wrote Willie Simmons, former FAMU coach and current head coach at Florida International University.
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