Darren Weathers (WDIV photo)
Darren Weathers (WDIV photo)
A 25-year-old Detroit police officer, who had been on the force for less than two years, was killed Tuesday morning when he was in a crash on Michigan Avenue near Clark Avenue, WDIV reports.
Officer Darren Weathers, 25, aka "Lucky," a military officer who fought in Afghanistan, was participating in a surveillance training drill when another car hit his vehicle.
He was rushed to Henry Ford Hospital on West Grand Boulevard. "They did everything they could possibly do to save his life," Craig said.
"A second vehicle with maybe two or three occupants (was involved) ... I am told they were uninjured or suffered minor injuries," said Craig. ""It's too soon to know what the cause/factors were involved in this. We're looking into that." Craig said. Weathers was participating in a surveillance exercise when the crash happened.
"The exercise was a training exercise of surveillance," said Craig. "I can tell you today I am numb."
He leaves behind a young daughter.
Mayor Mike Duggan issues a statement:
We are all devastated by the sudden loss of Officer Darren Weathers, who died tragically today in a vehicle accident. In his short year and a half on the force, Ofc. Weathers displayed the kind of courage and humanity that exceeded his young age of 25.
He was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic efforts saving the life of his wounded partner, Officer Waldis Johnson, after returning fire and killing the gunman who had shot him. And he was a hero to a group of young children with whom he stopped to play basketball and do push-ups, as captured in a viral video enjoyed by millions on social media.
Our hearts go out to Officer Weathers' family and to and his fellow officers at this very difficult time.