NJSP trooper dies during training at headquarters in Mercer County

EWING, N.J. (CBS) - A New Jersey State Police trooper died Sunday while training at NJSP headquarters in Ewing, Mercer County, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a release. Murphy identified the trooper as Marcellus Bethea.

"Tammy and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of New Jersey State Trooper Marcellus Bethea, who died during training at NJSP headquarters in Ewing," Murphy said in a statement.

Bethea attended Burlington Regional High School and was training to join an elite unit in the state police, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

"I extend my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones, and together, New Jersey grieves with them and with every member of the New Jersey State Police," Platkin wrote in a statement. "State troopers, and other members of law enforcement, enter their profession knowing its risks but put themselves on the line because they believe in serving the residents of our state. We owe Trooper Bethea our deepest gratitude and can honor his memory by living our lives with his same reverence for honor, duty, and fidelity."

Bethea worked at the state police's D station in Moorestown. He worked as a state trooper for the past eight years and was a member of the 156th State Police Class.

The governor said Bethea's death is under investigation.