Pennsylvania state troopers killed on I-95 in Philadelphia identified

A pair of Pennsylvania state troopers were struck and killed by a driver while helping a man walking on I-95 in South Philadelphia early Monday. The man was also killed.

Driving the news: Pennsylvania State Police Captain James Kemm identified the two troopers killed in the crash, 33-year-old Martin Mack III and 29-year-old Branden Sisca, during a news conference.

• Police didn't identify the civilian killed as they continue to reach his next of kin.
• State police said they're investigating whether the driver was under the influence.

What they're saying: "This is a very sad day for Pennsylvania," Gov. Tom Wolf said.

• Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said the troopers braved traffic along the busy interstate and "made the ultimate sacrifice this morning while assisting a citizen in need."

Details: Mack and Sisca were dispatched to the southbound lanes of I-95 near the stadiums to assist a man walking on the highway, Kemm said.

• As the troopers were attempting to place the man in custody, a driver traveling at high speeds struck all three of them. The troopers were thrown into the northbound lanes of I-95, authorities said.
• The driver then struck a Jersey barrier, continued along I-95 and stopped in the right shoulder.

• When officers arrived, they found witnesses attempting to perform CPR on the troopers, who were later pronounced dead at the scene, Kemm said.

Zoom in: Mack joined the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014, and Sisca in February 2021. Both were assigned to Troop K in Philadelphia.

• Sisca also worked as the volunteer fire chief of the Trappe Fire Company in Montgomery County.

What to watch: State flags will fly at half-staff on state-owned buildings in honor of the fallen troopers through Friday, per Gov. Wolf's order.