Athens, GA – Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) Senior Police Officer Rebecca “Becky” Croxton died unexpectedly on June 13.

ACCPD Chief Jerry Saulters confirmed Officer Croxton’s death in a press release later that day.

“It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, SPO Becky Croxton,” Chief Saulters wrote. “SPO Croxton was a 26-year veteran of ACCPD who served our agency with dedication and professionalism.”

The veteran officer’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.

Officer Croxton, 50, served in many capacities during her 26 years with the ACCPD, including criminal investigations, patrol operations and forensics.

She was most recently assigned to an administrative role.

“SPO Croxton had a unique ability to connect with people and always displayed compassion, empathy, and kind-heartedness,” Chief Saulters said.

While she was working on her English literature degree at the University of Georgia, Officer Croxton worked as a waitress and was able to build relationships with some of the law enforcement officers who came into the restaurant, WAGA reported.

She was a crime victim herself as a child and was inspired by seeing how the officers she met at the restaurant helped others in their community.

Instead of becoming a literature professor, she attended the law enforcement academy in 1997 and devoted the rest of her life to public service, WAGA reported.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to SPO Croxton’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones,” the police chief added. “We recognize the pain and sorrow they are experiencing, and we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to them. We will continue to support them through this loss and offer any assistance they may need.”

Officer Croxton leaves behind her parents, siblings, and nephew, according to her obituary.

She was laid to rest on June 22.

Her name was Rebecca "Bec" Croxton, a 26 year veteran of the Athens-Clarke Police Department. She died this week, no cause reported. Rest Easy Sister. Prayers for her family of blue and blood.#podcast #radio #talkradio #talkshow #truecrime #crime #trauma #police #Sheriff… pic.twitter.com/nChlYkBlob

— L.E.T. Radio Show Podcast (@LETRadioShowPo1) June 16, 2023

GBI employees line up outside of HQ to view the police escort for fallen Athens-Clarke County PD Senior Police Officer Rebecca “Becky” Croxton leaving GBI HQ today.

Thank you Officer Croxton for dedicating your life to service. We will keep your family in our prayers. ⚫️🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/gDsxnRKAIf

— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) June 14, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Athens-Clarke County Police Department Senior Police Officer Rebecca “Becky” Croxton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.