RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C.

A North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper has died after being hit by his brother, also a trooper, while the two were responding to a traffic stop, authorities announced Tuesday morning.

It happened just before 9 p.m. Monday at High Shoals Church Road and Goodes Grove Church Road.

Trooper James N. Horton was responding to assist with a traffic stop being conducted by Trooper John S. Horton when Trooper James Horton lost control of his vehicle upon approaching the traffic stop.

Trooper James Horton collided with the stationary patrol vehicle and struck Trooper John Horton and the detained driver, who were standing along the roadside.

Trooper John Horton, a 15-year veteran assigned to Rutherford County, was taken to a hospital where he died of his injuries.

The driver who was struck while being detained during the fatal collision has been identified as Dusty Luke Beck, 26 year old, of South Carolina, according to Sargent Chris Knox.

Beck was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to Knox.