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“While the men and women of the Illinois State Police are still grieving our recent loss, it is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of another fallen trooper, Trooper Gerald Ellis. Trooper Ellis laid down his life while protecting the citizens of this state,\" said Brendan Kelly, acting director of the department. \"We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Ellis and the ISP while we continue to process and work through this tragedy.”

The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, also died in the crash.

\"PHOTO:
WLS
PHOTO: Illinois state trooper Brooke Jones-Story, 34, was conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 20 on March 28, 2019, when a truck crashed into her.
>

The motorist in the crash that killed Jones-Story, who was not identified, either, was cited with a violation of Scott's Law. The law mandates drivers to use caution around emergency vehicles.

At least 16 troopers have been involved in similar roadside crashes throughout the state this year, Kelly said.

Another state trooper, Christopher Lambert, was fatally struck outside his squad car in January.

\"These troopers are just doing their jobs and trying to protect everyone. How many times does this have to happen? How many more have to be hurt or killed?\" Kelly asked after Jones-Story's accident.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker tweeted Saturday that Ellis died \"while protecting the people of Illinois.\"

\"Our hearts are so heavy, as we grieve for his family and the family of state troopers who have suffered far too much in 2019,\" he wrote. \"Please keep the @ILStatePolice in your prayers.\"

State Trooper Gerald Ellis gave his life early this morning while protecting the people of Illinois.

Our hearts are so heavy, as we grieve for his family and the family of state troopers who have suffered far too much in 2019.

Please keep the @ILStatePolice in your prayers. https://t.co/MqBHuITIXu

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 30, 2019

The loss of two state troopers in a few days was being felt by other departments, too. A chief with the NYPD tweeted that the Illinois State Department was going through a \"tragic few days.\"

\"We send our deepest condolences to their families and fellow troopers. #NeverForget,\" tweeted Chief Terence Monahan.

ABC News' Josh Hoyos and Karma Allen contributed to this report.

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