Holly MatkinTempe, AZ – Arizona State University Police Department (ASUPD) Officer Joseph Montgomery died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash while traveling to work on Thursday morning, according to police.
The fatal collision occurred on the northbound Loop 101 near University Drive at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) said, according to KTAR.
According to DPS spokesperson Bart Graves, investigators believe Officer Montgomery’s motorcycle may have crashed into a wall.
The 54-year-old officer was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The exact cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation, KNXV reported.
“It’s a very difficult situation. You never want to lose an officer and with as respected as he was… it’s a big loss and it’ll leave a significant void,” ASUPD spokesperson Adam Wolfe told KPNX.
Officer Montgomery served the ASUPD for 13 years, his department tweeted on Thursday afternoon.
He often patrolled the downtown Phoenix campus, KPNX reported.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of Officer Joseph Montgomery, following a motorcycle accident this morning,” the ASUPD said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Officer Montgomery leaves behind his wife and four children, according to his department.
“Rest in Peace Officer Montgomery,” the ASUPD said in a subsequent tweet. “Thank you for your service to our department and community. You will be greatly missed.”
CORRECTION: he is survived by a wife and four children.
— Arizona State University Police Department (@ASUPolice) January 14, 2021
Rest In Peace Officer Montgomery.
Thank you for your service to our department and community. You will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/UxSC0DgDgD
— Arizona State University Police Department (@ASUPolice) January 14, 2021
We wish to express our sadness to learn of the passing of @ASUPolice Officer Joseph Montgomery. Please keep his family and colleagues at ASUPD in your thoughts. 🖤💙🖤🇺🇸@UArizonaChief pic.twitter.com/sxWDkcPTms
— University of Arizona Police (@UArizonaPolice) January 14, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Arizona State University Police Department Officer Joseph Montgomery, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
