Friends remember fallen trooper as devoted man who loved family

HIGHLAND PARK, Illinois (Fox 32 News) - Friends and family of an Illinois State Trooper killed while investigating an accident remember him as a loving man who devoted his life to helping others.

Trooper Chris Lambert, 34, was run down on Saturday night as investigated a crash on I-294 in Northbrook. The incident remains under investigation. The driver who hit Lambert stopped at the scene and is cooperating.

Lambert leaves behind a wife and one-year-old daughter. Friends said Lambert served in the Army before he became a trooper. He loved fishing, country music and hiking.

Criminal justice student Nate Johnson said Lambert was his mentor.

"My first ride along, I just was questioning him. Every possible question I could ask him," Johnson said. "I'm still in shock. It's just an absolute tragedy."

The 100 Club of Chicago plans to reach out to the family.

"There are people out there that they don't even know that really appreciate and respect the sacrifice that they have made," said 100 Club CEO Joe Ahern. "These men and women that are protecting us are putting their life on the line every single day and their families are as well."

Funeral arrangements are pending at Donnellan Family Funeral Services in Skokie.