North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper John Horton was conducting a traffic stop Monday when he was killed in an accident involving his brother Trooper James Horton. (Photo: North Carolina HP)
A North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was hit and killed by his brother, a fellow trooper, during a traffic stop Monday night, according to the Highway Patrol.
Trooper John Horton was conducting a traffic stop just before 9 p.m. in Rutherford County. Trooper John Horton’s brother, Trooper James Horton, was responding to assist with the traffic stop when he lost control of his car and collided with Trooper John Horton’s parked car.
Both Trooper John Horton and the detained driver were hit while standing along the side of the road, WMBF reports.
NCHP said Trooper John Horton, a fifteen-year veteran assigned to Rutherford County, was transported to a Spartanburg, SC, hospital where he died of his injuries. The detained driver, 26-year-old Dusty Luke Beck, was pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper James Horton was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries and has since been released.
Trooper John Horton is survived by his wife and six children, WSPA reports.
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of our friend and our brother, Trooper John Horton” said Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “For all involved in this tragic event the coming days will undoubtedly be difficult, but we are committed to stand alongside with them with our thoughts, prayers and unwavering support.”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and North Carolina State Highway Patrol Collision Reconstruction Unit are investigating the accident.
