A regular day designed to assist the communities became a tragic day for the state of Delaware, with a loyal state trooper tragically losing his life for his selfless act of putting others before himself.
One of the first responders on the scene was U.S. Marine Corps corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook, only 34 years old at the time, who was required to work an extra shift at a Delaware DMV office just outside the Wilmington area when the violence broke out within the facility. During the chaos and terror, Ty Snook did what he had done all ten years of his service career: he put himself out in front of others to protect them.
Additionally, Ty was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died. This follows the tireless efforts that the medical team put into trying to save his life. The perpetrator who committed the attack did not survive the attack since he was subdued by another law enforcement officer. Further details about the perpetrator have not been provided.
“With his passing,” the Delaware State Police said in a statement, “there is a void that has been left not only within the Delaware State Police family but within the hearts of all those he so faithfully served.” Ty had a wife and a 1-year-old daughter who must now live with this loss.
Ty takes great pride in being a Delaware native. He spent 10 years serving his state and its citizens through his work as a state trooper. People who knew Ty considered him to be a man who remained composed during pressure situations and had the desire to support others, which actuated his work as a state trooper. Prior to his work as a trooper, Ty schooled at the University of Maryland; he also participated in the University of Maryland wrestling team.
“Ty was the type of cop that all cops wanted to be around because he gave kids, old people, and all people the respect and care they deserved,” agreed colleagues. “Everyone trusted Ty because he was the type who followed through and cared deeply about people, not to mention the passion and commitment to family he also showed.” A statement was issued by the department regarding the family:
“The entire Ty family, whose sacrifices have been substantial as Ty continued to serve and protect our community, have been, and continue to
Delaware Governor, whose name has not been mentioned, described this incident as devastating and lauded the quick and heroic response of police officers, without which more lives could have been lost. “It is a sad day with a heartbreaking loss,” Delaware Governor described Ty, highlighting Ty’s heroistic act performed amidst life threats.
As the state of Delaware grieves, Corporal Matthew “Ty” Snook is not only being honored for the way he died, but for the way he lived: with integrity, with courage, and with a steadfast concern for others. It will live on through the lives he safeguarded, through the brotherhood he maintained, and through the family he loved with such depth of feeling.
