Search fatalities

On 12/21/2024, at approximately 3:06 a.m., Earnest Atwell Jr., a 60-year-old school resource officer with the Smyth County Sheriff's Office, was involved in a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 at the 45-mile marker in Smyth County, Virginia. Atwell was driving a Ford F-150 northbound when the vehicle veered off the left side of the road, entered the median, and descended a steep, rocky embankment. The truck overturned and came to rest on the southbound side of the median. Atwell was ejected from the vehicle and died from his injuries at the crash site. The Virginia State Police are investigating the crash.

https://augustafreepress.com/news/smyth-county-school-resource-officer-dead-in-interstate-81-crash-early-saturday-morning/
https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/smyth-county-sro-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-i-81/
https://www.wcyb.com/news/local/smyth-county-officer-dies-in-single-vehicle-crash-on-i-81

On 12/21/2024, Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly of the Delaware State Police died from complications related to spinal injuries he sustained in a helicopter training accident on 05/20/1984. During routine helicopter takeoff and landing exercises at Sussex County Municipal Airport, the state police helicopter flipped on its side, breaking his neck and resulting in lifelong quadriplegia. He lived with those injuries for four decades before succumbing to complications from them. Kelly served with the Delaware State Police Aviation Section for seven years.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27308-corporal-dennis-francis-kelly
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/news/del-officer-paralyzed-during-1984-helicopter-training-dies-from-injury-complications-mnRR8JfE40qC9I6b/
https://www.facebook.com/DSPNewsroom/posts/today-we-remember-corporal-dennis-f-kelly-who-died-on-december-21-2024-on-may-20/1266332758853147/

On 12/20/2024, Richard T. Handibode Jr., retired NYPD Sergeant Special Assignment, died from an illness attributed to his work at the World Trade Center recovery operations following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Handibode served with the NYPD and later became a clinical social worker. His death has been publicly memorialized as 9/11-related.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27720-sergeant-richard-t-handibode-jr

On the evening of December 19, 2024, Sgt. Stephen Williams, a 50-year-old veteran officer with 23 years of service, was shot and killed during a standoff at the Super 8 motel in Moody, Alabama. The standoff occurred when police responded to a call for assistance at the motel, located 22 miles east of Birmingham. Williams, who had served with the Moody Police Department for three years, was fatally wounded after gunfire broke out around 9:30 p.m. CDT.

A man and woman, who had barricaded themselves inside a room at the motel, were eventually taken into custody. Williams was transported to University Hospital in Birmingham, where he was pronounced dead. The identities of the others involved were not immediately disclosed.

The incident is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), with findings to be reviewed by the local prosecutor’s office.

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/remembering-moody-sgt-stephen-williams-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-tuesday-night/32760774

On December 17, 2024, Deputy Dustin Colbert, 41, of the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office, was involved in a fatal vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 near New Madrid, Missouri. Deputy Colbert was off-duty, traveling with his two daughters, ages 6 and 8, when his vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Nevaeh Ladiamond Debose. Tragically, all four individuals sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/12/18/off-duty-sheriffs-deputy-3-others-killed-crash/
 

On 12/16/2024, Air Interdiction Agent Jeffrey T. Kanas died when the Eurocopter AS350 helicopter he was piloting crashed near Potrero in San Diego County during a border security mission. Kanas served with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and had previously served with the United States Coast Guard. Federal officials publicly confirmed his death following the crash.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27267-air-interdiction-agent-jeffrey-kanas
https://www.cbp.gov/about/in-memoriam/jeffrey-t-kanas
https://www.dhs.gov/news/2024/12/17/statement-death-air-interdiction-agent-jeffrey-t-kanas

On 12/16/2024, a Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy was found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the agency's headquarters in Bartow, Florida. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident as a suicide.

https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2024/12/16/polk-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-deputys-death-as-suicide/77032336007/

On 12/16/2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, Detention Officer Isaiah Patrick Bias, 28, was fatally assaulted by inmate Arron Semeion Thompson at the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Waxahachie, Texas. The incident occurred as Officer Bias was returning Thompson to his cell after his allotted out-of-cell time. Thompson, who was previously incarcerated on charges including assaulting a public servant, has been charged with capital murder following the attack. Officer Bias, a six-year veteran of the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, was pronounced dead at the scene.

https://apnews.com/article/791940bede59ef79366df6c9af9e33b9
https://www.corrections1.com/line-of-duty-death-lodd/heinous-horrific-purposeful-murder-texas-detention-officer-killed-by-inmate

On 12/15/2024, Charlotte County Sheriff's Corporal Elio Diaz conducted a traffic stop at a Chevron gas station in the 3000 block of Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Florida. Diaz was transported to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. The individual involved was later located at a Popeyes restaurant in Punta Gorda. He reportedly reached for a rifle, and a deputy opened fire, shooting him in the head. He was airlifted to a hospital and pronounced dead.

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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating.

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2024/12/16/charlotte-county-elio-diaz-killed-shooting-florida/77028780007/
https://www.nbc-2.com/article/who-officer-shot-killed-florida-diaz/63204446

On 12/15/2024, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a 51-year-old former police officer was driving on Hallsboro Road near Barney Tyler Road in Hallsboro, North Carolina. The individual drifted over the center line, resulting in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The former officer succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

• https://www.wect.com/2024/12/15/man-killed-head-on-crash-hallsboro/
• https://www.wwaytv3.com/hallsboro-car-crash-kills-retired-police-officer/

On 12/14/2024, a Selmer Police Department officer was fatally shot while responding to a service call. During the encounter, officers also shot and killed a civilian male. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Details regarding the events leading up to the shootings, the identities of the officer and the civilian, and any other individuals involved have not been disclosed at this time.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27244-sergeant-rick-finley

On 12/14/2024, retired Nassau County Police Department Detective Philip J. Schifini died from cancer attributed to toxic exposure during his assignment to rescue and recovery operations at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Schifini responded to Ground Zero as part of his law enforcement duties and later developed illness recognized as 9/11 related. His death has been formally memorialized in connection with his World Trade Center service.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27322-police-officer-philip-j-schifini

On 12/12/2024, Biddeford Police Sergeant Jacob Wolterbeek, 41, was involved in a fatal vehicle collision on the Piscataqua River Bridge while driving home after his shift. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation by Maine State Police.

https://www.pressherald.com/2024/12/17/obituaryjacob-c-wolterbeek-ix-2/

On 12/12/2024, Officer Colton Dale Pulsipher of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department died when he was struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 15 near mile marker 78 while heading home from his shift. Pulsipher was assigned to the Tourist Safety Division, Traffic Bureau and had served with LVMPD since 2017. He is survived by his wife and three children.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27296-police-officer-ii-colton-dale-pulsipher
https://www.lvmpd.com/Home/Components/News/News/1546/263
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/news/las-vegas-officer-killed-in-crash-with-wrong-way-driver-while-returning-home-from-shift-EpDU7VW9ZfLQ7jjn/

Oregon corrections officer Nicholas Alexander fatally shot his teenage daughter before taking his own life on 12/11/2024. The incident occurred inside their Washington County apartment. Authorities discovered the bodies during a welfare check. Evidence at the scene suggests the man killed his daughter with a firearm before committing suicide. A firearm was recovered. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.

https://www.kptv.com/2024/12/13/oregon-corrections-officer-kills-teen-daughter-then-himself/

On December 10, 2024, San Antonio Police Officer William Kasberg died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Harlandale Independent School District facility in San Antonio, Texas. Initially reported as an accidental discharge, further investigation by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office and SAPD determined the death to be a suicide. At the time of his death, Officer Kasberg was under criminal investigation by the Rockport Police Department for allegedly recording a minor without consent at a Rockport motel. The San Antonio Police Department is conducting an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

https://www.sacurrent.com/news/sapd-san-antonio-cop-who-died-this-week-committed-suicide-was-under-investigation-36282664
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2024/12/12/death-of-sapd-officer-initially-reported-as-accidental-ruled-a-suicide-sapd-says/
https://www.kristv.com/news/local-news/in-your-neighborhood/rockport/san-antonio-police-officer-death-ruled-suicide-officer-was-under-investigation-by-rockport-pd

On 12/08/2024, Officer Jacob Candanoza, 28, of the Terrell Police Department, was fatally shot during a traffic stop around 11 p.m. in Terrell, Texas. The investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Texas Rangers.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-police-officer-fatally-shot-traffic-stop-4/story?id=116601342

On 12/08/2024, Lieutenant David E. LaJoie died from cancer attributed to his participation in the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. LaJoie’s death has been publicly memorialized as a 9/11-related illness for an NYPD officer who developed illness from toxic exposure during rescue and recovery operations.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27722-lieutenant-david-e-lajoie
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/memorials/9-11-tribute.page
https://branchfh.com/obits/david-e-lajoie/

On 12/06/2024, Sergeant Ryan Moan, a 33-year-old officer with the Manchester Police Department, was found deceased in his vehicle at the Hatch Hill Road boat launch in Vernon, Connecticut. The Vernon Police Department confirmed that Moan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Earlier that day, Moan was arrested by the Manchester Police Department on charges including risk of injury to a minor, enticing a minor by computer, misrepresentation of age to entice a minor, and tampering with physical evidence. The arrest warrant remains sealed, so specific details of the allegations are undisclosed. Authorities confirmed that the charges were unrelated to his duties as a school resource officer and that the alleged victim was neither a student nor a resident of Manchester.

Moan was released on a $450,000 bond and placed on unpaid leave following his arrest. He was scheduled to appear for arraignment on January 3, 2025.

Manchester officials expressed shock and outrage at the allegations. Town Manager Steve Stephanou and Police Chief William Darby stated that the alleged actions were in direct contrast to the department’s values of integrity, compassion, and fairness, and assured the public of transparency throughout the investigation.

https://nypost.com/2024/12/08/us-news/connecticut-cop-commits-suicide-after-his-own-department-arrested-him-for-enticing-a-minor/
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/manchester/manchester-connecticut-police-sergeant-arrest-messaging-minor-online/520-54627df6-a5db-40bf-a893-981850c4f467

On 12/05/2024, Sergeant First Class Steven C. Tiboni, a retired trooper of the New Jersey State Police, died from cancer related to his service. Tiboni enlisted in the New Jersey State Police in November 1998, served in multiple assignments including the Marine Bureau and Emergency Management Bureau, earned a NJSP Unit Citation for 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts, and retired after 25 years of service.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27562-sergeant-first-class-steven-c-tiboni
https://baileyfuneral.com/tribute/details/3405/Steven-Tiboni/obituary.html
https://www.facebook.com/njspformertroopers/posts/we-regret-to-announce-the-passing-of-sfc-ret-steven-tiboni-5799-on-december-5-20/624795306542631/

On 11/29/2024, Oak Park Police Detective Allan Reddins, 40, responded to a report of an individual seen leaving a bank on the 800 block of Lake Street with a firearm. Upon arrival, Detective Reddins confronted the armed individual, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Detective Reddins was critically injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to his left side, and was transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The individual was shot in the leg and taken into custody; charges are pending. Detective Reddins had served with the Oak Park Police Department since May 2019.

https://www.oakpark.com/2024/11/29/oak-park-police-officer-dies-in-shooting/
https://abc7chicago.com/post/oak-park-il-shooting-today-officer-shot-critically-injured-lake-street-suspect-wounded-police-say/15603128/

On 11/28/2024, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Nicholas Griego, a 31-year-old Community Services Officer with the Palm Springs Police Department, was riding a motorcycle near the intersection of Cathedral Canyon Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City. A pickup truck driven by another employee of the Palm Springs Police Department collided with Griego’s motorcycle. The crash also involved a third vehicle, which sustained damage during the incident.

Emergency responders pronounced Griego dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck remained on-site and is cooperating with the Cathedral City Police Department's investigation. Authorities closed the intersection for several hours to collect evidence and examine the circumstances of the collision. Investigators are asking the public for any additional information to assist in the case.

1. https://kesq.com/news/2024/11/28/community-service-officer-killed-in-crash-in-cathedral-city-thanksgiving-day/
2. https://www.yahoo.com/news/fatal-three-vehicle-crash-reported-213747723.html
3. https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/11/28/31-year-old-motorcyclist-dead-in-cathedral-city-collision/

On 11/26/2024, Jonathan Fuller, a 52-year-old Deputy Chief of the Rockmart Police Department, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Deputy Chief Fuller served the Rockmart Police Department for over 11 years and was widely recognized for his dedication to public safety, mentorship of younger officers, and advocacy for mental health awareness. His death has deeply impacted the Rockmart community, with officials and colleagues remembering him as a beacon of leadership and integrity.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/rockmart-deputy-chief-dies-leaving-lasting-impact-department-community
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/unwavering-dedication-georgia-community-mourns-death-assistant-police-chief/3QINF5NHPRC4HPEEEJNTTR3LZU/
https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ga/rockmart/deputy-jonathan-fuller-18928840

Officer Cooper Dawson of the Greenville Police Department was killed on 11/25/2024, while attempting to apprehend an individual who fled from a traffic stop. Around 8 p.m., Dawson initiated the stop in the 3500 block of Picket Street. The individual fled on foot, prompting Dawson to pursue him into a wooded area behind residential homes. There, the individual ambushed Dawson, shooting him multiple times. Despite suffering critical gunshot wounds, Dawson returned fire, hitting the individual. Both were transported to a hospital, where Officer Dawson died from his injuries after being airlifted to Medical City Plano. The other man involved has not been identified, and his condition has not yet been disclosed. This is the first line of duty death for the Greenville Police Department in over 100 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PPaQ_d6pAM

On 11/24/2024, Senior Officer Specialist Louis Pepe died from complications of injuries from a line of duty assault at the Metropolitan Correctional Center at 150 Park Row in Lower Manhattan. On 11/01/2000, an incarcerated man and another detained person attacked Pepe while he was escorting the incarcerated man back to his cell, and reporting described hot sauce thrown into Pepe’s eyes and a sharpened comb used to stab him in the left eye. Reporting and federal court records described severe head and brain injury from the assault, and Pepe lived with those injuries for years before his death.

https://beta.odmp.org/officer/27306-senior-officer-specialist-louis-pepe
https://cpof.org/catastrophic-assistance/federal-corrections-officer-louis-pepe/
https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/nys/pressreleases/August10/salimmahmoudmamduhsalimresentencingpr.pdf
https://www.bop.gov/news/20250508-2025-correctional-workers-week-memorial-service.jsp
https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-louis-pepe-a-life-of-service

Deputy Nick Green, a seven-year veteran of the LaRue County Sheriff's Office, suffered a medical issue while on duty on 11/23/2024, resulting in his death. The specific cause of the medical issue has not been disclosed.

https://www.wave3.com/2024/11/23/larue-county-deputy-dies-after-suffering-medical-issue-duty/

Jesse Branch, an on-duty Red Lake Tribal police officer was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 89 near Red Lake, MN, on November 22, 2024. The collision involved another vehicle, and both individuals in the crash died from their injuries.  Police identified the other person who died as Alan Lussier Jr. Authorities are investigating the incident.

https://www.startribune.com/off-duty-red-lake-tribal-police-officer-one-of-two-killed-in-two-vehicle-crash/601187808

On 11/22/2024, Deputy Constable Katherine Lynn Hutson died from injuries sustained when her patrol vehicle was struck by a suspected impaired driver while she was working an extra traffic control detail on Interstate 10 in Houston; her 7-year-old daughter, who was in the vehicle with her, also died in the crash.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27219-deputy-constable-katherine-hutson
https://abc13.com/post/documents-show-suspect-admits-he-was-drinking-before-crash-killed-harris-county-constable-pct-5-deputy-daughter/15678599/
https://www.kbtx.com/2024/11/23/off-duty-deputy-her-7-year-old-daughter-killed-crash-involving-suspected-drunken-driver/
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/katherine-kacey-hutson-constable-funeral-19958969.php

A deputy from the Elmore County Sheriff's Office died by suicide in the parking lot of the Fultondale Event Center while attending law enforcement training. Authorities confirmed the death as a gunshot wound, and it is believed to be a suicide. The deputy had been experiencing mental health issues.

https://abc3340.com/news/local/fultondale-police-department-investigation-law-enforcement-training-community-center-officer-shooting-suicide-mental-health-awareness-investigation-event-center

An officer with the Flint Police Department passed away on November 21, 2024. The exact cause of death was not disclosed at the time of reporting, but it was confirmed by local officials.

https://www.abc12.com/news/local/an-officer-with-the-flint-police-department-has-passed-away/article_76022592-6baa-11ef-a0c6-1f5ffb4c5d59.html

On November 21, 2024, Deputies Paez, Waller, and Diaz were struck by an SUV while conducting speed enforcement. Paez and Waller died the same day; Diaz succumbed to injuries on November 25. The crash occurred when the SUV attempted to avoid a slower-moving vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. All three deputies were long-serving members of the motor unit.

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/3rd-palm-beach-deputy-dies-days-after-crash-that-killed-2-fellow-motormen/3480467/

On 11/21/2024, retired NYPD Lieutenant Sandro J. Rizzotti died from a cancer illness attributed to his search and recovery work as a first responder at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27723-lieutenant-sandro-rizzotti
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/memorials/9-11-tribute.page
https://www.odmp.org/agency/2758-new-york-city-police-department-new-york

Cpl. Luis Paez was killed in a crash during a police chase in Loxahatchee, Florida. He was responding to an ongoing pursuit when the crash occurred. The officers' vehicle was involved in a fatal collision, leading to his death at the scene.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27216-corporal-luis-paez

Deputy Ralph Waller was killed during a police chase in Loxahatchee, Florida. While involved in the pursuit, his vehicle was struck in a fatal collision, leading to his death.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27215-deputy-sheriff-ralph-butch-waller-jr

Officer Tyler Murrey, 31, passed away on November 16, 2024. He served with the Napoleon Police Department since 2018 and contributed to multiple specialized teams.

https://www.wane.com/top-stories/police-officer-killed-on-duty-in-napoleon-ohio/

Officer Jerome Scholtz was off duty and on his motorcycle when he crashed and died in Irving, Texas.

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/irving-police-officer-army-veteran-dies-off-duty-crash/

Sergeant Peter Foltz of the Kenner PD was on his way to court to testify in a murder case when he died from a medical emergency.

https://www.wdsu.com/article/kenner-police-officer-dies-line-duty-medical-incident/62907620

On 11/14/2024, Detective Annmarie Smith of the New York City Police Department died from a 9/11 related illness attributed to her service in rescue and recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.nycpba.org/in-memoriam/detective-annmarie-smith/
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/about/memorials/9-11-tribute.page
https://www.odmp.org/agency/2758-new-york-city-police-department-new-york

On 11/14/2024, Police Officer Gerard Connors of the New York City Police Department died from a cancer illness linked to his assignment in rescue and recovery operations following the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27731-police-officer-gerard-connors

Deputy Cailee Campbell was on her way to a call when she crashed, rolled her vehicle and died.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27161-deputy-sheriff-cailee-campbell