09/29/2026
‼️ BREAKING — A Kentucky State Trooper was shot and killed today doing the job he had dreamed of doing, leaving behind a wife and THREE children who expected their husband and dad to come home.
Tonight, the man authorities say is responsible is still being hunted.
Trooper Hayden Phillips was killed while patrolling Interstate 65 in Warren County, according to Kentucky State Police. He was assigned to Post 3 in Bowling Green and had been a Kentucky State Trooper since 2023.
“All Hayden wanted to do was be a Kentucky State Trooper, hail or high water," a friend shared.
Before earning that badge, Hayden served with the Glasgow Police Department and graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
But the uniform is only part of who was lost today.
“Above all of that, he was a father, a son, and a husband.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says Hayden was a devoted husband and loving father to three children.
Think about them tonight.
While police officers across Kentucky are searching for the person accused of taking Hayden’s life, his wife Jordan and their children are beginning to comprehend that he is never walking back through their door.
Kentucky State Police have identified the suspect as Emonnie Branch and say he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities say he may be traveling in a bluish-gray Honda Civic with Alabama temporary tag TN018596. Anyone who sees him or the vehicle is being warned not to approach and to call 911.
There will be time to learn exactly what happened on that interstate.
Right now, please remember the family behind the badge.
A wife lost her husband.
Three children lost their dad.
And a man who wanted so badly to become a Kentucky State Trooper gave his life wearing that uniform.
Help share.
And please pray for Jordan, their children and everyone who loved Hayden. Pray too that the person authorities are searching for is found without anyone else getting hurt.
RIP.
*I will post any updates below ⬇️ *