TUCSON, AZ - The Tucson Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its officers, Adam Buckner, who was tragically killed in a two-vehicle crash while responding to a call on Sunday night, March 31. The incident occurred near the intersection of North Campbell Avenue and East 6th Street, close to the University of Arizona campus.
Officer Buckner, 31, had his emergency lights and sirens activated as he was driving north on Campbell Avenue. He was responding to a call regarding an adult male breaking windows at a nearby business.
Unfortunately, another vehicle failed to yield the right of way while making a turn, causing a collision with Officer Buckner, who was proceeding through a green light.
Community members and officers at the scene immediately provided first aid and CPR to Buckner until the Tucson Fire Department arrived. He was then transported to Banner University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar confirmed that there were no signs of impairment from the other driver.
As of now, no citations have been issued, but the investigation remains ongoing.
“Last night I received a call that every police chief in this country hopes to finish their career without ever receiving,” Kasmar said. “One of my officers had been involved in a serious, life-threatening collision.”
Chief Kasmar, Mayor Regina Romero, and members of the Tucson Police Department held a press conference to address the tragic loss.
Kasmar expressed the profound sorrow felt by the department and the community, emphasizing that Buckner was not only a dedicated law enforcement professional but also a beloved son, brother, husband, and friend to many.
“Officer Buckner was a son, a brother, a husband and a friend of many, and he was a true law enforcement professional,” Kasmar said. “Our hearts go out to Officer Buckner’s wife, who lost her best friend and her husband.”
Buckner had joined the Tucson Police Department in November 2021, having previously served with the New Orleans Police Department for four years. He was recognized as the midtown division's officer of the month last June and was known for his leadership, commitment to excellence, and enthusiasm for serving the community.
The intersection where the crash occurred was closed for several hours but reopened early Monday morning. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to contact the Tucson Police Department's traffic investigations unit.
This devastating loss marks the ninth time a Tucson Police Officer has died in the line of duty. Buckner's death has left a profound impact on his fellow officers, the Tucson community, and law enforcement agencies across the country.
Mayor Romero extended her condolences to Buckner's family, highlighting the shared grief and the support being offered to help them through this difficult time.
“The loss of a police officer is tragic; it is a loss shared by the family, and the members of the Tucson Police Department in particular. Yet it is one we all share. To the parents, wife and family of Officer Buckner, you have our love and support to help you through this difficult time,” stated Mayor Regina Romero.
Officer Buckner, 31, had his emergency lights and sirens activated as he was driving north on Campbell Avenue. He was responding to a call regarding an adult male breaking windows at a nearby business.
Unfortunately, another vehicle failed to yield the right of way while making a turn, causing a collision with Officer Buckner, who was proceeding through a green light.
Community members and officers at the scene immediately provided first aid and CPR to Buckner until the Tucson Fire Department arrived. He was then transported to Banner University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash sustained minor injuries. Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar confirmed that there were no signs of impairment from the other driver.
As of now, no citations have been issued, but the investigation remains ongoing.
“Last night I received a call that every police chief in this country hopes to finish their career without ever receiving,” Kasmar said. “One of my officers had been involved in a serious, life-threatening collision.”
Chief Kasmar, Mayor Regina Romero, and members of the Tucson Police Department held a press conference to address the tragic loss.
Kasmar expressed the profound sorrow felt by the department and the community, emphasizing that Buckner was not only a dedicated law enforcement professional but also a beloved son, brother, husband, and friend to many.
“Officer Buckner was a son, a brother, a husband and a friend of many, and he was a true law enforcement professional,” Kasmar said. “Our hearts go out to Officer Buckner’s wife, who lost her best friend and her husband.”
Buckner had joined the Tucson Police Department in November 2021, having previously served with the New Orleans Police Department for four years. He was recognized as the midtown division's officer of the month last June and was known for his leadership, commitment to excellence, and enthusiasm for serving the community.
The intersection where the crash occurred was closed for several hours but reopened early Monday morning. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to contact the Tucson Police Department's traffic investigations unit.
This devastating loss marks the ninth time a Tucson Police Officer has died in the line of duty. Buckner's death has left a profound impact on his fellow officers, the Tucson community, and law enforcement agencies across the country.
Mayor Romero extended her condolences to Buckner's family, highlighting the shared grief and the support being offered to help them through this difficult time.
“The loss of a police officer is tragic; it is a loss shared by the family, and the members of the Tucson Police Department in particular. Yet it is one we all share. To the parents, wife and family of Officer Buckner, you have our love and support to help you through this difficult time,” stated Mayor Regina Romero.
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