South Carolina Highway Patrol, South Carolina
End of Watch Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Add to My HeroesMichael 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 125 ReflectionsComing 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
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