Former Chicago police officer dies from injuries sustained in 1987 car accident
Friends and family remember Chicago police officer James Crowley today. He died in 1987 at the age of 22 as a result of a patrol car accident.
CHICAGO – A Chicago police officer who was seriously injured in a patrol car accident in 1987 has died.
In September 1987, former Chicago police officer James Crowley was sitting in a patrol car with four of his colleagues and responded to a 911 call about a “man with a gun.”
On the way there, the patrol car was struck by a drunk driver. Crowley, who was 22 at the time, suffered serious injuries that prevented him from walking or caring for himself.
On Thursday, Crowley succumbed to his injuries at the age of 59.
At the time of his death, Crowley was living in a residential home in San Marcos, Texas, where he received special care.
Another officer, William Malcom Morrison Jr., was killed in the crash.
The driver of the vehicle was sentenced to three years in prison for negligent homicide.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation released the following statement on Crowley’s death:
“On behalf of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and all Chicagoans, we are forever grateful for the sacrifice Officer Crowley and his family made in service to our community. Jim had a very difficult life in the years following the accident, but was always able to maintain a positive attitude. We extend our sincere condolences to the Crowley family, especially his only sister, Beth, who cared for him so much over the years.”
