ATLANTA — Family and friends of a Georgia trooper killed in the line of duty while responding to a crash said their final goodbyes.
Trooper Chase Redner died on Feb. 20 from his injuries, the Georgia Department of Public Safety said, responding to a crash that happened in Clayton County on I-75 N near Mt. Zion Boulevard.
Redner was on the scene investigating the deadly crash that claimed the life of a construction worker when he was hit by a vehicle, authorities said. The 31-year-old trooper died from his injuries.
His untimely death impacted many people from all over the state. The community and his family gathered on Feb. 27 for his funeral. His body arrived in a horse-drawn wagon and he was greeted by hundreds.
Through tears, his mother, Linda Stancil-Redner, talked about her new reality where her only child is no longer by her side.
"Life gives us a lot of challenges; never did I think that I would be standing here with Chase not by my side to give me courage," she said.
Photos | Funeral held for Trooper Chase Redner
"Trooper Chase Redner was taken from us far too soon. And our entire state grieves with his family, his fiancé with his friends, and all those who served alongside him," Gov. Brian Kemp said.
Kemp ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor Redner.
His fiancee, Leah Owens, thanked his colleagues in law enforcement.
"Chase was an only child, and although he had no siblings by birth, but had an abundance of brothers," she said. "I hope you all know as his brothers how he truly loved each one of you.