Florida Highway Patrol Mourns Loss of Trooper Michael Diego After Line-of-Duty Death

Trooper Michael Diego / FHP

Florida Highway Patrol Honors Life and Service of Trooper Michael Diego After Line-of-Duty Death

By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 19th, 2026

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of one of its own after Trooper Michael Diego tragically passed away in the line of duty on February 18, 2026.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Trooper Diego suffered a medical emergency while participating in a competitive process for the agency’s Criminal Interdiction Unit at the FHP Training Academy. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, he passed away at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital with loved ones by his side.

Trooper Diego began his career with FHP in 2021 as a member of the 149th Recruit Class. Over more than four years of service, he served communities across Florida, including assignments with Troop L in the Fort Pierce District and Troop F in the Fort Myers District. Colleagues say he was dedicated to protecting others and carried out his duties with professionalism and compassion.

He is survived by his mother, sister, and fiancé.

In a joint statement, Executive Director Dave Kerner and Colonel Gary Howze remembered Trooper Diego as someone who truly embodied public service, noting that he lived his life protecting others and passed away surrounded by family and fellow troopers. They also expressed gratitude to the troopers, EMS personnel, Survival Flight pilots and medics, and medical teams at Gadsden Memorial Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital who worked tirelessly to save him.

“Florida State Trooper Michael Diego exemplifies what it means to be an American and one of Florida’s Finest. He lived his life in service and protection to others. Trooper Diego passed away in the line of duty surrounded by his family and his fellow State Troopers. Our hearts grieve his untimely passing and for the pain his family is experiencing. We are deeply thankful for the rescue efforts of his fellow State Troopers, EMS First Responders, the pilots and medics of Survival Flight, and the medical professionals of Gadsden Memorial Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital."

The Florida Highway Patrol extended its deepest condolences to Trooper Diego’s family, friends, and fellow troopers as they cope with the heartbreaking loss. iSkyNews.com also extends its deepest condolences to the Diego family and all who knew and served alongside him. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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