Holly MatkinOklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) Sergeant Meagan Burke died on Sept. 29 after another driver crashed into her vehicle head-on as she was heading home from work, according to police.
The 31-year-old sergeant had just finished her shift and was on her way home when the deadly collision occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m., OCPD Captain Valerie Littlejohn told KOTV.
Sgt. Burke was traveling northbound on Interstate 44 near Southwest 44th Street when a driver traveling southbound “propelled over the center guardrail” and slammed head-on into her vehicle, the OCPD said in a press release later that morning.
The young sergeant was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We have terrible news to pass on to you,” the police department said in the press release. “Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Meagan Burke was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident early this morning.”
The driver of the vehicle that crashed into Sgt. Burke’s car suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to the OCPD.
The investigation into the fatal collision remained ongoing.
Sgt. Burke served the OCPD for more than six years.
She graduated with Academy Class 135 and was assigned to the agency’s Santa Fe Division at the time of her death, KOKH reported.
“Meagan had a strong passion and desire to help our community by bringing her infectious smile and laughter,” OCPD said during her final radio call. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends. Your brothers and sisters in blue will take it from here. You will be greatly missed. Godspeed.”
Sgt. Burke will be laid to rest on Oct. 6, according to her obituary.
It’s with a heavy heart & great sadness that I relay the death of Sgt. Meagan Burke. Sgt. Burke was on her way home from work when she was hit in a crash near SW 44th & I-44. As we support each other through this loss please keep her family, co-workers & friends in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/C5IM91yNfp
— Chief Wade Gourley (@ChiefGourley) September 29, 2022
The tribute for Sgt. Meagan Burke at our Santa Fe Division just keeps growing.
Thank you OKC. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QWJZQf2YIl
— Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) October 3, 2022
We are deeply saddened about the passing of former Cowgirl soccer player, Meagan Burke. She played for Wyoming from 2009-11 before pursuing a career in law enforcement. Her and her family are in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/OXEBlcTUA4
— Wyoming Cowgirl Soccer (@wyosoccer) October 3, 2022
What kind of officer was Sgt. Meagan Burke?
This video from her body worn camera shows just how committed she was. A couple of months ago she responded to an arson, arrested the suspect & made sure people who lived nearby got out safely.
She will be missed.#RIPSgtMeaganBurke pic.twitter.com/LimLoqwF6b
— Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) September 29, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Oklahoma City Police Department Sergeant Meagan Burke, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
