Driver in crash that killed Tampa officer was going over 100 mph, police say

TAMPA, FL – Police have released additional information regarding the crash that killed a Tampa police officer Tuesday morning, according to WFLA.

This is an update to a previous story.

Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, died when his patrol car was struck by a driver going the wrong way on I-275 near Hillsborough Avenue and Sligh Avenue at about 1 a.m. The other driver, 25-year-old Joshua Daniel Montague, was also killed.

Tampa police disclosed preliminary findings of their investigation into the crash on Thursday and said that Montague was likely intoxicated at the time, though they are still waiting for toxicology test results. Investigators also said that data from Montague’s vehicle indicated he was traveling at more than 100 miles an hour while driving south in the interstate’s northbound lanes. According to police, Officer Madsen deliberately moved his patrol car into the path of Montague’s vehicle in an effort to try and stop him.

Police said Montague had been in Tampa for just 12 hours after moving to the city from Golden, Colorado.

A candlelight vigil for Officer Madsen was held Thursday evening at the Tampa Police Department headquarters. The officer will be honored posthumously with a Life Saving Award for his heroic actions Tuesday. He received the award seven times previously.

When a loved one has died as the result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for the tragic loss they have suffered. The Hillsborough County Wrongful Death Attorneys with Kemp Law Group can help recover damages such as lost wages, lost companionship, and medical or funeral expenses, as well as other compensation depending on your situation. You can request a free consultation to discuss your case by calling us today at 727-325-5512 or responding in our online chat box.