Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/22/22 – from Press Releases
A suspected DUI-crash early Monday morning on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia killed a man and two state troopers, including Bristol Borough man who served as an assistant lacrosse coach at Harry S. Truman HS.
State Trooper Martin Mack III, 33, was one of the troopers killed in the crash. He was an assistant at Truman from 2018-21, according to the Bucks County Courier Times.
Mack and Trooper Branden Sisca were on patrol on the highway when they responded to the report of a man walking on the road early Monday. As they were walking to assist the man to their vehicle, all three were struck and killed, police said.
State Police Trooper Branden Sisca, 29, was one of the men killed. Authorities are investigating but said the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and is suspected of driving under the influence, the Courtier Times reported.
Mack played lacrosse and rugby at Albright University, the report said.
“Trooper Mack lived a life of service, every day putting his life on the line to protect others,” read a statement from Pennsylvania Reps. John Galloway, Tina Davis and Frank Farry. “He was just 33 years old and leaves behind a wife and two young children. Trooper Mack made the ultimate sacrifice, dying while trying to bring someone to safety. Once again we are reminded that our welfare depends on the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers.”
“The town lost a great person and resident of the borough way too young, trying to help someone,” said Borough Council president Ralph DiGuiseppe in the Courier Times report. “He put his life on the line. You could have heard a pin drop, that was how much respect there was for this officer and his family.”
Trooper Mack joined the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class, the report said.
The Report also quoted Truman coach Mike Walczak as saying Trooper Mack was a great asset to the young lacrosse program.
“He was an awesome addition to our family. He would work long hours and still show up for the players. The countless hours he has dedicated to our players has left a huge imprint on all of them,” said Walczak in the report.
“This was his first season away from us due to him having increased hours on the force as well as his commitment to the National Guard.”
Trooper Mack own high school and college alma maters remembered him Monday, too.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Marty Mack’s passing, Class of 2006. We know that Marty lived his life for the service of others,” the online statement read from John E. Cooke, president of Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Drexel Hill. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mack family as well as all the families affected by this tragic incident.”
