Holly MatkinGlendale, AZ – Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Officer Blake Newman died in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Monday night.
The 25-year-old officer was riding his motorcycle near the intersection of Cardinal Drive and 95th Avenue at approximately 11 p.m., when he collided with a curb, KTVK reported.
Officer Newman lost control of the motorcycle, and suffered fatal injuries during the ensuing crash.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Glendale Police Department is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal collision.
Officer Newman joined the PPD on June 18, 2018, and was assigned to the Maryvale-Estrella Mountain precinct, KTVK reported.
He was also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in both Kuwait and Bahrain, fellow Marine Nathan Battle told the news outlet.
“He loved to laugh. He loved to make us laugh. It’s really what got us through the tough times when we were in the Marine Corps,” said Battle, who is now a police officer in St. Louis. “He was the type of friend that if you were going through something, he would make sure he was there and put aside his own personal problems to make sure you came out on top.”
The young officer’s death has devastated the city’s law enforcement community, Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Britt London told KTVK.
“Young man, new to our department. Just started to make his reputation as a go-getter,” London said. “We’re one big family. It does have an impact and it’s sad, especially this time of year.”
Officer Newman, an Illinois native, was a fifth-generation law enforcement officer, WCIA reported.
He leaves behind his parents, friends, and many extended family members.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Phoenix Police Department Officer Blake Newman, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.