Holly MatkinMemphis, TN – Memphis Police Department (MPD) Officer Darrell Adams died in the line of duty on Oct. 2, when he was struck by a semi-truck while investigating a crash.
The 34-year-old officer and other members of the MPD’s Austin Peay Station were investigating a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 40 near North Watkins at approximately 11:08 a.m. when an 18-wheeler ran into him, the department said in a Facebook post.
Officer Adams suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, WJHL reported.
The driver of the semi-truck was detained, but no charges were immediately filed, according to the MPD.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is handling the ongoing investigation into the deadly crash.
“Today, my heart aches again for the loss of another dedicated servant of our city,” MPD Chief Cerelyn Davis said in the department’s social media post. “I am in deep prayer for our officer’s family and the men and women of the Memphis Police Department.”
Officer Adams joined the MPD in April of 2016.
“We thank him for five years of faithful service to our community,” the department said. “At this time, we ask that you keep his wife, family along with the men and women of the Memphis Police Department in your prayers.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said his thoughts and prayers are with Officer Adams’ family and the MPD.
“Today serves as another solemn reminder of the risks our officers take each time they put on the uniform in service to others,” Strickland tweeted.
A fundraising campaign established to help Officer Adams’ family in the wake of their loss has raised over $17,000 so far.
"Today, my heart aches again for the loss of another dedicated servant of our city. I am in deep prayer for our officer's family and the men and women of the Memphis Police Department." – Chief Cerelyn Davis pic.twitter.com/l4FfX15G4I
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) October 2, 2021
The Mississippi Highway Patrol would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Officer Darrell Adams and the Memphis Police Department. @MEM_PoliceDept pic.twitter.com/WhOcSDm0GD
— MHP Batesville (@MHPTroopE) October 4, 2021
🔹 Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹
Police Officer Darrell Adams
Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
EOW: Saturday, October 2, 2021#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/mPaXWUmG4X
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) October 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Memphis Police Department Officer Darrell Adams, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
