New Jersey State Police trooper dies during training at headquarters in Mercer County

NEW JERSEY (WPVI) -- A New Jersey State Police trooper died during training on Sunday, according to state authorities.

State police announced on X that Trooper Marcellus E. Bethea with Troop D at the Moorestown Station has died.

It happened at New Jersey State Police headquarters in Ewing Township, Mercer County, Action News has learned.

The 33-year-old had been with the state police for over eight years and was a member of the 156th State Police Class, according to the post.

"Please keep Trooper Bethea and his family in your prayers," the announcement read in part.

No further information has been released on this incident. Authorities did not state how Bethea died.

Bethea's commanding officer spoke with Action News on Monday. He said this loss is difficult to accept.

"It's devastating. You're never prepared for this," noted Major Michael Krzyzkowski with the New Jersey State Police.

He said Bethea was training to become a member of the state police SWAT team, also known as TEAMS Unit 1.

At 6'4" tall, those who loved Bethea said he was a big man with an even bigger heart.

"Just a gentle giant. He was such a gentleman, and soft-spoken, and well-regarded by everyone who worked with him," said Krzyzkowski.

Before graduating from Rowan University, Bethea attended Northern Burlington Regional High School.

The superintendent there released a statement on his death, saying in part, "He was a valued member of the Northern Burlington community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Krzyzkowski says in the end, Bethea's legacy will consist of love for his family along with his commitment to the community he served.

"Even the care that people took to write in about the things that Marcellus did for them on the side of the road in their time of crisis. Something we can always remember him by. How great he was in those situations that were terrible for so many others that he brought a little ray of sunshine too," he said.

Bethea leaves behind a wife and young daughter.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy released the following statement on Bethea's death:

"Tammy and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Marcellus Bethea, who died during training at NJSP Headquarters in Ewing.

Trooper Bethea showed a passion and spark for service from a young age, participating in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week while a student at Burlington Regional High School, and later graduating from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class. He embodied Honor, Duty, and Fidelity in its highest form every day and in everything he did.

An investigation into his death is underway. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow troopers at this difficult time."