Diego passed away in the line of duty while participating in a competitive process for the Patrol’s Criminal Interdiction Unit at the FHP Training Academy in Gadsden County.<\/p>\n
According to the\u00a0Patrol’s website<\/a>, troopers in the Criminal Interdiction Unit “are strategically assigned throughout the state to patrol the interstate system and other highways” to stop drug couriers and other criminal activity.<\/p>\n According to FHP officials “Trooper Michael Diego suffered a medical emergency while participating in a competitive process for the Patrol\u2019s Criminal Interdiction Unit, being held at the FHP Training Academy” in Gadsden County on Feb. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n Diego was transported to HCA Florida Gadsden Emergency and later airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.<\/p>\n He was the 55th Florida state trooper to die in the line of duty. Diego is survived by his mother, sister and his fianc\u00e9.<\/p>\n Since his death a GoFundMe was created to support his family and he was escorted to his home of Fort Meyers by FHP and a large law enforcement contingent.<\/p>\n “Despite lifesaving efforts, he tragically passed away with his loved ones at his side at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital,” the GofundMe fundraiser states. “All proceeds will go directly to Diego\u2019s family to help them financially through this extremely difficult and painful process. Thank you for all the support during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Diego’s dedication ceremony.<\/p>\n As of Feb. 22 more than $14,000 has been raised toward a $16,000 goal.<\/p>\n Lt. Greg Bueno, spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol in Southwest Florida, said Diego was assigned to Troop F at the time of his death. Their Troop F covers Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee and Sarasota counties.<\/p>\n Bueno said Diego graduated with the 149th\u00a0Basic Recruit Class on May 31, 2022 and his initial duty was Troop L in Fort Pierce, in St. Lucie County. In April 2025, he transferred to Troop F, assigned to patrol duties in Collier County. <\/p>\n “He was the embodiment of a good trooper, with a great work ethic,” Bueno wrote in an emailed statement Feb. 19.<\/p>\n Beyond his dedication to duty, Bueno said, “he was a wonderful and personable coworker and a true loyal friend to many.”<\/p>\n “His smile could light up any room, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Bueno said.<\/p>\n Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at\u00a0AOtero@tallahassee.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow her on X:\u00a0@ari_v_otero<\/a>.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FHP will honor fallen trooper Michael Diego in livestream memorial<\/a><\/p>\n![\"According](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/22c1217c5c6957ccfb33392b649f0629.jpeg\"\/)
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