Senior Trooper Michael Joseph Rao, South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

Senior Trooper Michael Joseph Rao

South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina

End of Watch Wednesday, June 12, 2002

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Michael Joseph Rao

Senior Trooper Michael Rao succumbed to injuries sustained two days earlier when he was struck by a pickup truck while assisting a motorist on southbound I-95, near Manning, at 8:30.

The pickup truck veered off of the road, struck his patrol car and the other vehicle, before landing on Trooper Rao. Trooper Rao was flown to a local hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Trooper Rao was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for four years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, parents, and sister.

On June 12th, 2020, South Carolina Highway Patrol K9 Rao died after having served with the agency for nine years. K9 Rao was named after Senior Trooper Michael Rao.

Bio

Age 33
Tour 4 years
Badge 941
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Struck by vehicle
Incident Date Monday, June 10, 2002

disabled motorist

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Coming up on 22 years since you were taken from your family at 33! We continue to reach out to other families who experience the tragedy of losing a law enforcement officer. That extended care helps us keep you with us each and every day!

Rest easy, son! We'll be along soon!

Love,
Mom

Lois Rao, Surviving Mother
Surviving Mother

April 12, 2024