Pennsylvania State Police troopers Martin F. Mack III, 33 and Branden T. Sisca, 29, were struck and killed by a driver March 21 on Interstate 95 South in the area of milepost 18 in Philadelphia City, Philadelphia County, authorities announced.

A male pedestrian, Reyes Rivera Oliveras, of Allentown, also was struck and killed at the same time.

The troopers were dispatched after receiving reports of a man walking on Interstate 95 south. As they were helping the man into the back of their cruiser, a female motorist attempted to drive past the scene. She fatally struck all three men and the cruiser just before 1 a.m. and remained at the scene.

“Our department is heartbroken with the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Philadelphia,” Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick said in a media release.

“We ask our fellow Pennsylvanians to keep the families of our troopers and the pedestrian in their thoughts. This is an extremely difficult time.”

Mack enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class.

Sisca enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in February 2021 and graduated as a member of the 161st cadet class.

Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia.

Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds flown at half-staff to honor Mack and Sisca until sunset March 25. The commonwealth flag will be lowered on the day(s) of their funerals scheduled March 30 through April 2. The United States flag is to remain at full-staff through this tribute.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving,” Wolf said in a media release. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks – and sacrifices – our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served.”