The death of a New Jersey state trooper during a training incident sparks an investigation

The New Jersey State Police are dealing with the loss of one of their loved ones.

Trooper Marcellus Bethea died over the weekend during a training exercise at State Police headquarters in Ewing.

Bethea was a state trooper for eight years, working out of the Moorestown Station in Burlington County.

Authorities have not yet announced a cause of death.

Police officials say Bethea was at headquarters trying to become a member of the TEAMS unit, an elite unit within the department, when he died.

The New Jersey State Police website states: “Members are selected based on a written resume, physical agility test, background investigation, oral interview and successful completion of the physically and mentally demanding underwater recovery course.”

Gov. Phil Murphy expressed his condolences on the loss, saying, “Trooper Bethea demonstrated a passion and spark for service from a young age when she participated in New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week as a student at Burlington Regional High School and later graduated from the State Police Academy as part of the 156th class.”

Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, “I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, and together New Jersey mourns with them and every member of the New Jersey State Police.”

Funeral arrangements for Bethea will be announced later this week.