Illinois State Police are mourning the death of trooper Chris Lambert, who died Saturday after he was struck by a vehicle while handling an accident in northern Illinois. Director Leo Schmitz reported Lambert was on the scene of a three-vehicle crash on I-294 at Northbrook.

Trooper Lambert was outside his patrol car when he was hit. An off-duty nurse performed CPR on the trooper on the scene. He died at Glenbrook Hospital.

‘’Trooper Lambert was a great trooper and was respected by those within and from outside the ISP,’’ said Director Schmitz. ‘’This is a tremendous loss which could have been prevented and should never have happened,’’ he added.

Director Schmitz says Trooper Lambert had deliberately placed his vehicle in a position to protect the lives of the victims of the previous crash, ‘’and took on the danger himself. He will be remembered for his dedication to the Illinois State Police and for giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the citizens of Illinois.’’

Trooper Lambert was a five year veteran of the Illinois State Police in District 15. He previously served in the U.S. Army.

He leaves a wife and one-year-old daughter.

94.1 WGFA