Officer Russell Willingham (28) died when he crashed his patrol car into a tree
Published: Aug 18, 2011 @ 5:37 PM
Russell Willingham (28)
Date: Jul 30, 2011
Cause of Death: Auto Accident
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
URL: view their profile
A Winston-Salem police officer died early Saturday morning after being pinned inside his wrecked patrol car.
Officer Russell Willingham, 28, was driving north near the 1700 block of Vargrave Street around 3:15 a.m. when he lost control of his patrol car, went down an embankment, and crashed into a tree, Police Chief Scott Cunningham said.
Willingham radioed for help after the accident and told dispatchers he was pinned inside his car.
"Officer Willingham was able to call and advise that he was pinned in the vehicle," Chief Cunningham said.
Shortly afterward, Willingham told dispatchers that his patrol car had caught fire, Chief Cunningham said. By the time rescuers arrived at the scene, the car was engulfed in flames.
Willingham was pronounced dead at the scene.
"After all the years, I still cannot find the words to tell the family that I am so sorry," Chief Cunningham said during a news conference Saturday.
Chief Cunningham said Willingham was en route to assist a fellow officer with a DWI investigation after a suspected drunk driver nearly hit another vehicle.
It is not yet known why Willingham lost control of his patrol car. Police are investigating the accident.
THE LINE OF DUTY:
Willingham, who is originally from Massachusetts and leaves behind a wife, joined the WSPD in August, 2009 after serving for two years with the Greensboro Police Department.
Officer E.M. Mitchum, who served with Willingham, said she treasures the memories they shared.
"Everybody knows whenever you get ready in the morning there's a likelihood you may not come home, but when it's somebody that you sat next to or answered a call with or went through six months of training with, it's completely different," Mitchum said.
A cross now marks the spot where Willingham died. Flags were lowered to half-staff at the WSPD Saturday.
"I do ask that the community remember him, especially his family, and the rest of the Winston-Salem Police Department in their prayers during this very trying time," Chief Cunningham said.
A Facebook page, entitled "Rest in Peace Winston-Salem Police Officer Russell Willingham," was created in his memory.
Funeral arrangements are pending and more details are expected to be released next week.
Willingham is the first police officer killed in the line of duty in 2011, but the third since 2007.
Sgt. Mickey Hutchens died after being shot while responding a domestic disturbance call in October, 2009.
Sgt. Howard Plouff died after being shot while responding to a fight outside of a nightclub in February, 2007.
Related Article(s): http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-story-winston-salem-officer-killed-accident-110730,0,3925368.story
« go back to article archive list