In a somber and unexpected blow to Florida’s law enforcement and college football communities, Senior Trooper Craig Gaines of the Florida Highway Patrol died on September 19, 2025, from medical complications stemming from a sideline accident at a Florida A&M University football game. The incident, which took place less than two weeks earlier on September 6, has sent shockwaves through the state, prompting tributes from colleagues, coaches, and officials alike.
According to WFLA and the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Gaines was providing security for Florida A&M’s head football coach, James Colzie III, during the Rattlers’ away game against Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Assigned as lead security, Gaines was a familiar and trusted presence on the sidelines, regularly traveling with the team for both home and away games.
The accident occurred on the first play of the third quarter. As reported by the Palm Beach Post, FAU wide receiver Jayshon Platt was pushed out of bounds after a 16-yard run, and a pursuing FAMU defender unintentionally collided with Gaines, who was standing near the sideline. Witnesses and video footage captured the moment, but Gaines, in a testament to his dedication and resilience, “shook off” the impact and completed his shift. At the time, neither he nor those around him realized the severity of his injury.
It wasn’t until later, after persistent pain, that Gaines sought medical evaluation. The diagnosis: a fractured leg. Still, the injury did not initially appear life-threatening. However, as the days passed, the situation took a tragic turn. On September 19, while off duty at his Tallahassee-area home, Gaines began to feel seriously ill. He called the Florida Highway Patrol dispatch for help, but his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite the swift response and life-saving efforts by emergency personnel, Gaines passed away that same day.
The Fraternal Order of Police Florida State Lodge confirmed that his death was directly related to complications from the leg injury sustained during the game. The FOP wrote in a public statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaines family and the Florida Highway Patrol community.”
Gaines’s career was marked by steadfast service and a deep commitment to public safety. He joined the Florida Highway Patrol in 2008, dedicating 15 years to the force. Before that, Gaines served in the U.S. Navy, and later with the Havana Police Department and the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office in northern Florida, as reported by Total Pro Sports and Palm Beach Post. His experience and professionalism made him a trusted figure not only among his law enforcement peers but also within the world of collegiate athletics.
He was known for his close working relationship with Florida A&M’s football program, especially with head coach James Colzie III. Gaines’s role went beyond routine security; he was a constant presence, ensuring the safety of coaches and players during the high-energy, unpredictable environment of college football games. Head coach Colzie shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, “Rest Easy my FRIEND!!” In another tribute, Colzie recalled Gaines’s reassuring words: “I always got you Coach Colzie.”
Florida International University head coach Willie Simmons, who previously worked with Gaines during his tenure at FAMU, also offered moving words: “For six years you went everywhere I went on away trips (even some places we shouldn’t have gone)! LOL You escorted me on and off the field for 58 straight games! The laughs shared between me, you, Troy, Jimmy and Detrick will never be forgotten! I wasn’t prepared to get the news Friday of your passing! Rest in Heaven brother! We love you Craig!!!”
According to WFLA, Gaines was not only a dedicated officer but also a family man, survived by his wife and three children. His sudden passing has left a void in both his personal and professional circles, with tributes pouring in from across the state. Florida Atlantic University Athletics released a statement expressing their condolences: “Florida Atlantic University Athletics is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Craig Gaines. We extend our condolences to the Gaines family, Florida A&M University, FHP, and all those that knew and loved him.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis recognized Gaines’s service and sacrifice by ordering flags across Florida to be lowered to half-staff on September 29. This statewide gesture underscored the respect and gratitude held for Gaines’s contributions to the safety and well-being of Florida’s communities.
Colleagues in law enforcement remembered Gaines as a consummate professional who balanced the demands of regular highway patrols with the unique challenges of providing security at major public events. His ability to juggle these responsibilities, all while maintaining a calm and approachable demeanor, earned him the admiration of both peers and those he protected.
The circumstances of Gaines’s death have also sparked reflection on the often-overlooked risks faced by officers tasked with security at sporting events. While the focus is typically on the athletes and the action on the field, the sidelines can be perilous, with unexpected collisions and accidents posing real dangers. Gaines’s passing is a sobering reminder that the commitment to public safety can carry hidden risks, even in environments that appear controlled and festive.
His story joins a string of recent tragedies that have impacted the high school and college football landscape, including the fatal shooting of a college football player in the weeks preceding Gaines’s death. These incidents have prompted renewed calls for vigilance and support for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep events safe for all.
As the Florida Highway Patrol and the broader law enforcement community mourn the loss of one of their own, the legacy of Senior Trooper Craig Gaines endures. His years of service, his devotion to duty, and the personal connections he forged with colleagues, coaches, and athletes alike serve as a lasting testament to the impact one individual can have on a community.
In the words of those who knew him best, Gaines was more than just an officer—he was a friend, a mentor, and a guardian. His presence will be missed on the sidelines and beyond, but his memory will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
