A New Jersey State Police trooper from Burlington County has died during training, officials say.

Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea was an eight-year veteran assigned to Troop D at the Moorestown station on the New Jersey Turnpike, according to a brief announcement from the State Police.

The incident occurred at a training facility at New Jersey State Police headquarters in Ewing, according to a social media post from Gov. Phil Murphy on Sunday night.

Bethea was training to join the elite Teams Unit 1, said a statement from Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

More: South Jersey trooper dies during training; what is TEAMS unit?

Among other challenges, prospective members of a TEAMS unit must complete a “physically and mentally demanding underwater recovery course," the State Police website says.

In a statement, Murphy said Bethea "showed a passion and spark for service from a young age."

The governor noted Bethea, as a senior at Northern Burlington County Regional High School, participated in a Trooper Youth Week program in 2008.

Bethea was a member of the track and football squads at the high school, according to online accounts.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow troopers at this difficult time," Murphy said.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin described Bethea's death as a "devastating loss."

The TEAMS (Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists) Unit is intended to handle "the most serious police emergencies," including hostage situations and counter-terrorism operations, according to the State Police.

It described the selection process for members is "the most demanding."

The Troop D station is off the New Jersey Turnpike and Mount Laurel Road in Mount Laurel. It is part of a regional unit that patrols about 150 miles on the turnpike.