Holly MatkinSan Diego, CA – San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Detective Ryan Park and Detective Jamie Huntley-Park died in the line of duty on June 4 after a wrong-way driver slammed into their vehicle head-on.
Det. Park, 32, and Det. Huntley-Park, 33, were conducting follow-up investigations when the fatal collision occurred on Interstate 5 Near Route 905 in the San Ysidro district at approximately 10:25 a.m., according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The wrong-way driver who crashed into them was also killed in the fiery wreck, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“Our hearts weigh heavy today as we announce the unexpected passing of Detective Jamie Huntley-Park & Detective Ryan Park,” the SDPD said in a Facebook post on Friday night. “The void in our hearts will be impossible to fill. San Diego truly lost two of America’s Finest officers today.”
The detectives graduated from the police academy together nine years ago, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
They married in 2016.
When they ended up being promoted to the rank of detective on the very same day, they took turns pinning each other’s detective badges during their promotion ceremony, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
Det. Huntley-Park was assigned to the Southern Division, and Det. Park worked in the Homicide Unit.
“You couldn’t have met two nicer kids,” SDPD Chief David Nisleit told the paper. “Nothing but their lives ahead of them. Their lives and careers were both on a rapid trend upward.”
“It hurts,” Chief Nisleit said. “These people mean a lot to us. Both Jamie and Ryan are just incredible people who had nothing but life ahead of them.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the husband-and-wife detectives were “two of our best,” The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“We lost them today, and that breaks our hearts,” Gloria said.
“Jamie and Ryan spent their lives serving the city, protecting the city,” the mayor continued, according to ABC News. “And so, I express my appreciation to both of them for their service and sacrifice to the city and to the people who live here.”
More than a dozen motorcycle officers escorted the medical examiner’s van away from the scene of the crash several hours after it occurred, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
“We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us with their condolences,” the SDPD said in the Facebook post. “We ask that you keep the Huntley & Park family in your prayers as we all heal together.”
Detectives Jamie Huntley-Park & Ryan Park touched countless lives in our department and our community.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out today. We ask that you keep the Huntley & Park families in your thoughts and prayers. Rest Easy. pic.twitter.com/ddCyGqgB0Y
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) June 5, 2021
Confirmed that 2 SDPD officers were killed in a wrong-way accident this morning on I-5. More details coming in 30 min @fox5sandiego pic.twitter.com/1nZ050OTFF
— Jeff McAdam (@JeffMcAdamTV) June 4, 2021
Det. Ryan Park's cousin shared this picture of him hanging out with Det. Jamie Huntley-Park, saying:
"He just wanted to take us (his little brother, his step brother and I) out to eat and just spend time with us. That’s just how he was. Loves his family." pic.twitter.com/1suHT9E6Wb
— Jon Horn (@10NewsHorn) June 5, 2021
With heavy hearts, we share that Jamie Huntley-Park (‘09) and her husband were tragically killed in a car accident yesterday in Southern California. They were both detectives in the San Diego Police Department. Jamie was also a referee for USA Hockey, IIHF, and NWHL #️⃣2️⃣3️⃣💜💛💜 pic.twitter.com/RHB9e9ygI3
— Elmira College Women’s Hockey (@ElmiraWHKY) June 5, 2021
There’s been an outpouring of love and support for two @SanDiegoPD detectives killed in a wrong-way crash. This is the memorial outside the police department. One note reads: “San Diego don’t fear we have two angels watching over us.” pic.twitter.com/2g39XGc78I
— Dana Griffin (@DanaGriffinNBC) June 7, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of San Diego Police Department Detective Ryan Park and Detective Jamie Huntley-Park, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, heroes. We’ll hold the line from here.
