i came along about 15 seconds after this happened. it was clearly the fault of the police van. not sure what happened to the officer to cause this, but it is truly unfortunate. i didn't stop to help because there were already 4 cars stopping to help. it is such a tragedy.
Published: Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Funeral held for teen killed in police collision
By Jason A. Smith
jsmith@henryherald.com
Family and friends gathered Monday at Bethany Baptist Church in McDonough to remember a Henry County teenager killed last week in an accident with a Locust Grove Police vehicle.
Trent Pyles, 16, was described by his stepfather, John deVente, as a "real solid kid" with a "big heart," who enjoyed soccer, playing pool and spending time with friends.
"Every day's been a challenge [since Pyles' death]," deVente, 33, said. "He was an only child, so that makes it that much harder."
Pyles, 16, died Wednesday after his car collided with a crime scene unit van around 11 a.m., at King Mill Road and Ga. Highway 42 in Locust Grove.
According to Locust Grove Police Chief Jesse Patton, the driver's sides of the two vehicles collided, and a third vehicle then rear-ended the police van.
Pyles was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died.
Patton said the cause of the wreck is still unknown.
"I can't comment on it, because I don't know what happened," he said, adding that the Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash. "We're doing an internal investigation, also."
He said the officer involved in the crash suffered minor scrapes. Pending the results of the investigation, the officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay, in accordance with department policy, Patton said.
He did not speculate as to the length of the investigation, saying only that it would likely take "a while."
Patton sent condolences to Pyles' family on behalf of the police department.
"We've been there for them, and we'll continue to be there for them," he said.
DeVente did not comment on the investigation, saying the family was focusing on their grief, and taking time to remember Pyles for who he was.
In addition to deVente, Pyles is survived by his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and several uncles and cousins
3 comments:
This is too bad. I offer sympathy to the family. I'm so glad you weren't envolved. Paula
That is a real shame, and just goes to show, that the police aren't immune to these kind of things. I hate that for the teen and his family, I know they must be suffering.
Greg
my prayers with the family
i heard a partial report about a police vehicle involved in an accident where it was road rage he hit the car kept going leaving a mom and sister critical and the boy dead i hope this is not the same case
how blessed you did not see it happen
that would have been hard to forget..
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