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Wichita, KS –Wichita Police Officer Stacy Woodson was killed in a vehicle crash on Friday night, after a drunk driver struck the off-duty officer as he was riding on a motorcycle with his 9-year-old son.
Officer Woodson, 37, was a 16-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department, KAKE reported.
His young son, Braeden, was also gravely injured in the crash, and passed away on Sunday.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you all that not only did law enforcement lose WPD Officer Stacey Woodson, but his 9 year old son has also passed,” Lieutenant Tim Myers said in a release, according to The Wichita Eagle. “Braeden Woodson died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the traffic accident.”
The collision occurred just before 8:15 p.m., when 35-year-old James Dalrymple pulled out in front of Officer Woodson and Braeden, slamming into their motorcycle.
Kelly Edwards, a former nurse, said that when she came upon the scene, she found two nurses desperately trying to save the officer and his son before first responders arrived, KWCH reported.
“There were two ladies there with the gentlemen, one was doing compressions and the other one was standing there beside her,” Edwards said. “They looked at me and said, ‘We don’t have a pulse,’ but they didn’t stop – they continued.”
Dalrymple was not injured in the collision.
He was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, driving under the influence, and suspicion of aggravated battery from a DUI causing great bodily harm.
Officer Woodson was a member of the departments motorcycle unit, The Wichita Eagle reported.
“He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and WPD family,” Police Chief Gordon said. “Our thoughts and prayers continue for Stacy’s family, friends, and others affected by this tragedy.”
Officer Woodson had been married to his “best friend and wife” for over 15 years, and also has a daughter in middle school, according to a webpage set up to help organize meals for his family in the wake of the tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Wichita Police Officer Stacy Woodson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.