Clinton Motorcade Officer Dies in Crash

[Jehoram]

From the Associated Press
updated 11:50 a.m. CT, Fri., Feb. 22, 2008

DALLAS - A police motorcycle officer died after a crash while escorting Hillary Rodham Clinton's motorcade to a campaign rally.

"We are just heartsick at this loss of life in the line of duty," a subdued Clinton said in a statement to reporters after the rally. Clinton cut short her next appearance in Fort Worth, Texas, so she could visit the officer's family.

The officer died after apparently crashing into a concrete barrier along a viaduct near downtown Dallas. Aerial video showed wreckage scattered for several yards and emergency medical technicians laboring to treat the officer.


Dallas police spokesman Sgt. Gil Cerda said he had no details on the crash, which happened shortly after 9 a.m.

The New York senator and Democratic presidential candidate also said she planned to contact the police chief to express her sympathy.

"It is important that we respect and appreciate their service," she said. "I certainly am grateful for all they do for me."

After the wreck, the victim was taken to nearby Methodist Medical Center, where Police Chief David Kunkle was seen arriving shortly afterward.

The name of the officer was not released.

In August 2006, an Albuquerque, N.M., police officer in President Bush's motorcade died in a motorcycle crash. Germaine Casey, 40, died on Aug. 27 when he crashed as Bush returned to the airport after a fundraiser for Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M.

In November 2006, Honolulu police Officer Steve Favela died when he and two other motorcycle officers crashed while part of a presidential motorcade.