FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 6, 2000

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety regretfully announces that Greenville Trooper Lance Cpl. David Bailey, 27, was killed Wednesday night in an automobile crash while making a traffic stop on I-85 in Greenville County.

"The death of Trooper Bailey is a profound loss not only for the Highway Patrol but the entire Department of Public Safety," said Boykin Rose, DPS Director. "Our hearts and condolences go out to Trooper Bailey’s family and his co-workers and friends in Highway Patrol District Three."

Bailey, who had been with the Highway Patrol since 1994, was killed around 8 p.m. on I-85 in Greenville. He died at the scene. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.

Bailey, a native of Anderson County, began his career in Abbeville and transferred to Greenville in 1997.

"As troopers, we know our jobs are dangerous, but we are never quite prepared for the tragedy of losing one of our own," said Col. Ralph Mobley, commander of the Highway Patrol. "Today is a very sad day for the South Carolina Highway Patrol."

This is the first trooper killed in the line of duty since 1998. Ten South Carolina troopers have died in the line of duty in the past 10 years.

Just last Friday, the Greenville Highway Patrol held a news conference to educate the public about the high crash and fatality rate in the Upstate and urging motorists to drive more carefully. There have been 20 people killed in Greenville County this year. The Highway Patrol has stepped up patrols in the area in response to the high number of crashes.

Bailey is survived by his wife, Tina Bailey of Greenville; his father, Bob Bailey of Greenville, who retired from the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 1997; his mother, Frances Odell of Lexington; one sister who lives in Alabama; and a brother who lives in Greenville.

"L/Cpl. Bailey was fulfilling his dream by following in his father’s footsteps as a trooper," said District Three Capt. Michael Gardner. "He was a fine young man who was committed to his work in serving the public and was well-liked by his fellow troopers. He will be sorely missed by all of us."