Holly MatkinMemphis, TN – Memphis Police Department (MPD) Officer Nicholas Blow died in a motor vehicle crash on Monday night after being hit by a drunk driver as he was heading home from work, according to police.
The 31-year-old officer was leaving the MPD’s Raines Station parking lot when the suspect, 54-year-old Robert Earl Jackson, crashed into him at approximately 10:15 p.m., the Commercial Appeal reported.
Officer Blow was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Jackson, who suffered minor injuries in the crash, was also transported to the hospital.
Investigators said Jackson’s blood-alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the collision, the Commercial Appeal reported.
He was arrested for vehicular homicide on Friday afternoon.
Officer Blow was an eight-year U.S. Army veteran who served multiple combat deployments, according to a fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
He continued his education after leaving the military, and went on to join the MPD in 2018.
“To lose an officer always takes a lot out of us and again, we just ask that our citizens keep our officers in our prayers,” MPD Chief Michael Rallings told WREG.
Officer Blow leaves behind his fiancé, Latese Hodges, and his two-month-old daughter, Nova, according to the Commercial Appeal.
“He was a great father,” Hodges told WREG.
Officer Blow will be laid to rest on Saturday, WHBQ reported.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we pray for Officer Blow’s family throughout this difficult time,” the MPD tweeted on Tuesday.
Memphis Police Officer Nicholas Blow is called a “protector” by his fiancé Latese Hodges. The two have a 2-month-old together named Nova.
Blow was killed following a car crash just outside of Raines Road Police Station. @LocalMemphis pic.twitter.com/Zeo4YMhVXs
— Rebecca Butcher 🦋 (@Local24Rebecca) March 11, 2021
I spoke with the father of #Memphis officer Nicholas Blow who was hit by a driver leaving Raines Precinct last night. His father says Nicholas leaves behind his 2 month old baby who was born Christmas Eve. pic.twitter.com/Km8Qw1WIOE
— Siobhan Riley (@SiobhanRileyTV) March 9, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our member, Nicholas Blow. Please keep Deacon Earl and the Blow family & friends in your prayers! #restinpeace #prayingGodcomforts pic.twitter.com/5T582qk9Vl
— Promise Land Church (@PromiseLand_Mem) March 9, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Memphis Police Department Officer Nicholas Blow, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
