Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques Rougeau, or as many called him, “Jay”, died in the line of duty on Saturday. He was a Corry native. For those who grew up with Rougeau, learning about his death was disheartening.   

"I ran with him in cross country in high school a little bit, he was a really great guy, a really stellar athlete, and it was really terrible to hear what happened to him," a former cross-country teammate of Rougeau, Brent Benedict said. 

Another former teammate, Chad Wiler, who was one of Rougeau's teammates back in high school, said that Rougeau brought good sportsmanship and his caring personality to everything he did. 

"He was a kind, kind person. It didn't matter who was on the team, even if people were kind of hanging up by themselves, he would always be that guy to include everyone," Wiler said.  

Wiler said when he and his family moved out into the state college area, Rougeau reached out on social media, giving him tips on places to check out, and that he hoped they'd cross paths.  

"He was a great, great person, and I wish I could have said ‘Hey’ to him again, but especially when I was captain of the cross-country team, he was very supportive in everything that went on. And like I said if you needed help, or someone to talk to, or have a laugh with, he was definitely there, and gave everyone some laughs," Wiler said. 

Wiler said he sends thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew him, and Rougeau will be well-remembered.  

“Prayers for the family, . . . everyone who's involved, friends, family, teammates, he was definitely a teammate I'll never forget," Wiler said.