MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – While Carlos Rosario, a father of two and a respected 12-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, remained at Jackson Memorial Hospital on Saturday, the FHP identified the driver who struck him as Hugo Olivares.
FHP reported Olivares, 26, was driving a black 2014 Chevy when he lost control and hit Rosario on Friday morning. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue airlifted Rosario to JMH's Ryder Trauma Center.
Dr. Carl Schulman, a trauma surgeon, said Rosario suffered mostly orthopedic injuries to his face, spine and lower extremities. Rosario, who was in critical condition but is now stable, required a blood transfusion and several surgeries.
"Our troopers and all law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day in the pursuit of public safety," an FHP spokesperson said in a statement. "Please keep Trooper Rosario, his family, his brother, who is a fellow FHP trooper, and all members of FHP Troop E, in your prayers."
The 37-year-old FHP trooper was conducting a speed-related traffic stop on the Dolphin Expressway at about Northwest 107th Avenue, when he was injured, according to FHP Sgt. Mark Wysocky. The incident remains under investigation.
"The shoulder where this occurred is a very wide shoulder. It's wider than a normal shoulder, so there was plenty of room," Wysocky said. "What we have to determine is why this person lost control of his car to spin sideways and run in to the patrol car and the trooper."
FHP Colonel Gene Spaulding said that he felt optimistic about Rosario's prognosis. Gov. Rick Scott , who had a scheduled South Florida stop on Friday, visited Rosario at the hospital along with many FHP troopers. There were also anxious relatives and friends who were distraught.
His friends and family were asking the public to contribute to a GoFundMe effort to support his immediate family. Their goal was to raise $50,000 and as of Friday night they had raised about $13,400.