EASLEY, SOUTH CAROLINA: A rookie South Carolina police officer was fatally struck by an Amtrak train while assisting a suicidal person off the tracks on Wednesday. Officer Matthew Hare, 22, of Easley, South Carolina, was killed around 6 am on railroad tracks outside the city he patrols, which is about 10 miles west of Greenville.
Lt Ashley Anderson said through tears during a press conference, "Officer Hare died saving the life of someone he did not know. Officer Hare was a hero." Prior to the tragedy, Hare and his partner had been looking for the suicidal person for an hour. Hare had only been on the force for five months.
The suicidal person Hare had saved was taken into custody
Officials stated that Hare was removing the person from the tracks when the commuter train hit him, even though the specifics of the accident were not made public. Though it's unclear if they were charged, the suicidal person Hare had saved was taken into custody, as reported by NewYorkPost.
The Crescent train, operated by Amtrak, had a seven-hour delay between New York and New Orleans
Hare's companion was unharmed. The Crescent train, operated by Amtrak, had a seven-hour delay between New York and New Orleans. Officials stated that no one onboard was hurt.
The department reports that Hare earned his South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy degree in March 2023. A patrol car has been parked in front of the Easley department in Hare's honor, and several law enforcement agencies held a procession to pay their respects to the deceased officer on Wednesday afternoon, as per reports.
'Officer Hare is remembered as a hero'
The Law Enforcement Division of South Carolina is looking into Hare's death. Community members gathered all night Wednesday to leave flowers and notes at the memorial for Hare that was erected outside the Easley Police Department. A memorial fund was also established by officials to assist Hare's family. His tribute mentions, "Officer Hare was just 22 years old. He graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in March 2023, and his career in law enforcement began just a few short months before he gave his life in service to his community."
The tribute adds, "Officer Hare is remembered as a hero for protecting and serving his community and for his efforts in saving the life of someone he did not know. This fundraiser has been established to support his family during this tragic time." A total $12,017 has been raised by the fundraiser, as reported by ServeandConnect.
