Trooper hit, killed by car while investigating crash on I-294 in Northbrook

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Illinois State Trooper Christopher Lambert

NORTHBROOK, Illinois (Fox 32 News) - An Illinois State trooper was run over and killed on Saturday while investigating a crash along a snowy interstate.

Trooper Christopher Lambert, 34, was outside his own squad car on I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway) at Willow Road in Northbrook on Saturday at 4:45 p.m. when he was hit by another car. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

"He died protecting the citizens of Illinois," said Illinois State Trooper Director Leo P. Schmitz. "He's a hero. And now we will take care of his family."

Schmitz said Lambert was on his way home when he saw the accident and stopped to help. He said that's the kind of thing Lambert was known for.

"[His bosses] said he was a go-getter, a hard worker," Schmitz said. "They loved him. He got things done. We're going to miss him."

The cause of the original crash and the second crash that killed Lambert were still under investigation as of Saturday night.

Illinois State Police are also warning everyone of fake GoFundMe accounts for Trooper Lambert. An authentic account has not been created at this time.