A retired Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper was killed Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 4, while attempting to assist a vehicle crash victim.

At approximately 11 a.m., a 2016 Ford F-150, driven by 21-year-old Benjamin Jackson of Southaven, was traveling west on Hwy. 6 when it collided with a 2002 Lincoln LS driven by 64-year-old Dewitt Cole of Sardis, also traveling west on Hwy. 6.

Retired Trooper Michael Griffin of Ripley — a 62-year-old who was also a current Sworn Law Enforcement Officer with the Department of Public Safety — stopped to check on the driver of the Lincoln when the vehicle rolled over on top of Griffin. He received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.

“Mike Griffin was family to Elee and me, and I’m devastated by the news of the tragic incident that took his life this morning,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “But I’m not in the least bit surprised he was on the side of the road trying to help someone in need — because that was just the kind of person he was. All day and every day, a Marine, a State Trooper, a servant of God, and just an all-around good dude.”
“He loved his country, and he loved Mississippi (and he loved the Ole Miss Rebels) — but his true loves were Edna and Olivia,” Reeves said. “He never missed an opportunity to update me on how Edna was doing and how proud he was of Olivia. My heart breaks for both of them as I pray for God’s protection over them in these dark and difficult days.”

“Mike Griffin was a dedicated public servant and law enforcement officer for many years,” Commissioner Sean Tindell said. “On top of that, he was a wonderful friend to me and many others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during these difficult times.”

DPS Col. Randy Ginn said Griffin was “a lifetime public servant who gave his life doing what he was called to do.”

“Whether as a U.S. Marine, a Mississippi Trooper, or a DPS Officer, Mike didn’t hesitate to stop to help those in need,” Ginn said. “Mike was also a good friend who will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go to Edna, Olivia, his family and friends.”

In 2021, Griffin retired from the MHP as an agent with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. He continued this service with the Mississippi DPS, working as a liaison with law enforcement agencies and other governmental departments across the state. He is survived by his wife Edna and daughter Olivia.

The crash remains under investigation.