Second Trooper dies from injuries - Business, Government Legal News from throughout WV

A second West Virginia State Trooper has died as the result of a gunshot wound sustained in the line of duty.

Trooper Eric Michael Workman died Aug. 31. He and Corporal Marshall Lee Bailey were shot during a traffic stop along WV Route 36 just off of Interstate 79 at the park-and-ride off the Wallback/Clay exit. Bailey died at the scene. A tow truck driver was also shot, but his injuries are not life threatening.

"Trooper Workman was an outstanding young man with a promising future," said Col. C.R. Smithers with the West Virginia State Police. "It is unfortunate his life was cut short by this senseless and cowardly act. Our prayers continue to be with his family and friends. I am overwhelmed by the support the West Virginia State Police family is receiving during this difficult time."

Workman enlisted with the State Police in January 2011. He was first assigned to the Grantsville detachment after graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy and had recently been transferred to the Clay detachment. Bailey was also assigned to the Clay detachment.

Workman's funeral arrangements are pending. The public can pay their respects to Marshall at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Charleston Civic Center.

Workman is an organ donor. It is the family's sincere hope that even in his death, his selfless service to others will continue by providing others an opportunity to live a fruitful life, according to a news release from the State Police.

The West Virginia Troopers Association has established a fund to help the troopers' families.

"In the wake of this week's terrible tragedies we've had a lot of people asking how they can help or what they can do to help these fallen troopers," said Doug Gunnoe, president of the WVTA. "The family fund is best answer I have as a way to show thanks and support the families of these heroes, who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people and the state they loved."

Donations can be made to the Fallen Trooper fund by using the Paypal donate button at www.wvtroopers.org. Checks can also be mailed to the Trooper's Association at 210 Chesapeake Ave., Charleston, WV 25311. Donors can call the WVTA 304-345-9884 for information. 

Both Bailey and Workman are members of the West Virginia Trooper's Association.