Governor Tate Reeves has declared Saturday, September 9 as a day of mourning for retired Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Griffin.
Griffin, 62, of Ripley, was traveling to Jackson on Labor Day when he saw an accident on Highway 6 in Panola County. Upon pulling over and trying to help, one of the involved vehicles rolled on top of Griffin and killed him.
“Mike died as he lived – serving Mississippians,” Reeves said. “He always put others first, and I know that his life and legacy speak for themselves. I’m saddened to have lost a good friend. All of Mississippi is praying for his family in this difficult time, and I know that he’s resting easy in a better place.”
The executive order from Reeves directs all American and state flags to be flown at half-staff on state buildings from sunrise to sunset.
Griffin retired from the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) in 2021 after serving as an agent with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Following retirement, he continued to his service as a liaison between law enforcement and other government agencies.
Griffin is survived by his wife, Edna, and daughter, Olivia. The situation is still under investigation by the MHP.
