A state trooper shot late last week while stopping to help someone he thought was a driver in distress is being kept alive on life support, but the Texas Department of Public Safety reports that he shows no viable brain activity.

In a brief statement issued Monday afternoon, TxDPS reported that despite the extensive efforts of doctors and nurses at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest in Waco, Trooper Chad Walker is not going to awaken. Walker was an organ donor, and is being kept alive "until he can share the gift of life".

"This final sacrifice embodies Trooper Walker’s actions throughout his life and service as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper," the DPS report reads. "The Walker family is grateful for the continued support and prayers as they remain at Chad’s side."

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Our partners at News 10 report that Walker was driving along FM 2838 near Mexia around 7:45 PM Friday when he spotted a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. As he was stopping to help, a man later identified as Dearthur Pinson Jr. exited the vehicle and began firing a handgun. Walker was struck in the head and abdomen.

A massive manhunt to find Pinson Jr. began shortly after 3:00 AM Saturday. That evening, the search was called off after the suspect was found in an abandoned house on State Highway 84 west of Mexia. Police say he was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A prayer vigil was held for Walker Sunday in Groesbeck and a GoFundMe to assist Walker's family raised thousands for the wife and four children Walker leaves behind. You can still donate to that GoFundMe account if you're able to help at this time.

We at Townsquare Media would like to extend our sympathies and deepest condolences to Walker's family and his fellow troopers. It's absolutely heartbreaking that a man was killed while stopping to help someone he thought was in need.

While Walker's death was senseless and tragic, we can find some hope in the idea that his organs could help save lives. If you're interested in becoming an organ donor yourself, you'll find information on how to do that here.

Be safe out there, Central Texas.

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