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Fiancee of NC trooper killed in Yadkin County chase thankful for support

YADKIN COUNTY, N.C. — Michelle Mathis went from planning a wedding to planning a funeral.

The fiancée of North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Samuel Bullard, 24, who was killed last month after a crash during a chase on I-77 in Yadkin County, is speaking about the loss.

Troopers said the incident started with a license check. A black BMW did not stop and troopers went after it. Bullard was involved in a crash at mile marker 80.

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Dakota Whitt was taken into custody without incident. He's charged with murder, felony fleeing to elude arrest in a motor vehicle and driving with a revoked license.

Just looking at troopers' vehicles is a painful reminder of the loss of her fiancée.

“I do look at it differently, with more, not only respect, but my heart goes out to them because I know they’re struggling as well,” Mathis said.

Mathis said the troopers have been extremely supportive since Bullard died.

“They have supported me daily, whether it’s text, calls, just so much love shown,” she said.

Now, Mathis is working on the process of moving forward, but she said she will honor him every day.

“Last year, I surprised him on a trip to Jamaica for his birthday,” Mathis said. “He was so nervous because he had never been out of the country and I wanted to do something special for him because I knew he deserved it.”

A foundation has been set up in Bullard’s name to help troopers make it through the law enforcement training program.

"That's such a tight brotherhood, and knowing they’re welcoming me in, and I want to support them as well,” Mathis said.