Police Officer Dies From Sideline Hit at College Football Game

Tragedy struck in Florida this month when a Florida Highway Patrol trooper died following a sideline hit while working a college football game.

Trooper Craig Gaines died Sept. 19 at his home in the Tallahassee area, less than two weeks after he was accidentally run into while serving as lead security for Florida A&M head coach James Colzie during a road game against Florida Atlantic University on Sept. 6 in Boca Raton.

"During the game, while on the FAMU sideline, Trooper Gaines was unintentionally struck by players at the conclusion of a play," said a post from the Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Lodge Facebook page. "Trooper Gaines initially 'shook off' the impact, but after experiencing pain and following an evaluation it was concluded Trooper Gaines suffered a fractured leg."

The post goes on to say Gaines was at home on Sept. 19 when he began feeling ill and called for medical assistance. Despite life-saving measures, he "rapidly deteriorated" and eventually passed away.

Gaines died from medical complications stemming from his broken leg.

Our Thoughts and Prayers go out ot the immediate and service families of Senior @stluciesheriff Trooper Craig Gaines who has gone on to be with the Lord as a result of an injury suffered during sideline security detail at the #FAMU vs #FAU contest. Our Sincerest Condolences???? pic.twitter.com/UA36UXh2zj

— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) September 26, 2025

Tributes pouring in

Gaines was only 58 years old, leaving behind a wife and three children. A law enforcement officer since 2008, he previously served in the Navy.

After news of Gaines' death spread, tributes poured in from the law enforcement and football worlds.

"Rest Easy my FRIEND!!" wrote FAMU head coach Colzie on X/Twitter.

“Florida Atlantic University Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines," a spokesperson for FAU's athletic department said in a statement, via the Palm Beach Post.

"We extend our condolences to the Gaines family, Florida A&M University, FHP, and to all those that knew and loved him.”

"For 6 years you went everywhere I went on away trips. You escorted me on and off the field for 58 straight games!" said FIU head coach Willie Simmons, who previously led the FAMU program from 2018-23. "I wasn't prepared to get the news Friday of your passing. Rest in Heaven brother!"

"Today, we honor the life and service of Senior Trooper Craig Gaines, a dedicated member of the Florida Highway Patrol," said Anastasios Kamoutsas, the Florida Commissioner of Education. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, fellow troopers, and all the lives he touched. May his memory and his service never be forgotten."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also ordered flags throughout the state to be deployed at half-staff on Monday in memory of Gaines.