Fallen NHP Trooper Kara Kelly-Borgognone Dies at Hospital

The Nevada Highway Patrol says Trooper Kara Kelly-Borgognone was taken off life support and died at approximately 2:45am Thursday.

Borgognone was an organ donor so her body was kept alive in the intensive care unit at Renown Regional Medical Center until doctors could find recipients for her organs and harvest them.

“I can tell you she will not be forgotten. That the ultimate sacrifice, her life, will leave a long legacy,” says Sgt. Rich Tiran.

Kara Kelly-Borgognone grew up in Fallon but spread her smile across northern Nevada. “Whenever you’re around her you felt good. She had something funny to say and just her sense of enthusiasm made your day,” says Trp. Chuck Allen.

She leaves behind her husband Dirk and two daughters, Ashlyn 3 and Blair 13. “She adored her family, her children, her husband and I know they’re going through a difficult time missing her,” says Sgt. Tiran.

Captain Roy Giurlini adds, “her family is our family. We’re not gonna forget them. We’ll be there for whatever they need.”

Borgognone was on her way to a bomb scare in Spanish Springs Monday night when her patrol car got hit by Matthew Henderson of Sun Valley. The crash site has since been replaced with a memorial.

And while the investigation goes on so does her memory. “Without tearing up here it was tough. It was tough ’cause of who she was.”

Before joining the Nevada Highway Patrol, Borgognone spent seven years as a parole and probation officer. She was the only one to receive the Medal of Valor awarded for her bravery after killing a parolee who tried to grab her gun. “She’s tough. She’s tough as nails and she did her job fiercely,” says Sgt. Tiran.

“Kara will always be present in this office.”

Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 11am at Lawlor Events Center.

A special account to benefit her family is set up for anyone wishing to make a donation.

Irwin Union Bank

5496 Reno Corporate Drive

Reno, NV 89511

Account #: 83067603

The bank is contributing $300.00 to initiate the effort.

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Statement from Sparks Mayor Geno Martini:

“Today, we morn the loss of Nevada Trooper Kara M. Kelly-Borgognone. Kara lost her life in the line of duty while protecting us all. She was an outstanding law enforcement officer who served our state and community with professionalism and dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Dirk, her two daughters, and her entire family. The city’s flags will be lowered to half-staff to honor her memory. We must never forget those who have devoted their lives to protect us from harm.”

Statement from Governor Jim Gibbons:

“I extend my deepest sympathy to trooper Kelly-Borgognone’s friends and family. Her death is a sobering reminder that those in law enforcement make great sacrifices to ensure the safety of Nevada’s citizens. 

“I have ordered flags at the Nevada State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff in honor of trooper Kelly-Borgognone’s dedication and service to the State.”

Flags at the Nevada State Capitol will fly at half-staff today, February 28, 2008.  Governor Gibbons has requested that flags at all state office buildings be lowered as well.

Originally posted on KTVN