TUCSON, AZ — Tucson Police Department says one of its lead officers was killed in a crash overnight.
The officer was reportedly responding to a call for service before 10 p.m. Sunday when the collision occurred near North Campbell Avenue and East 6th Street, in the area of the University of Arizona campus. Police say another driver who was turning, failed to yield and hit 31-year-old Officer Adam Buckner, who was driving through a green light with emergency lights and sirens activated on his patrol car.
Officers and good Samaritans provided first aid and CPR to Buckner until fire personnel arrived. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.
A press conference will be held this morning where additional information will be released. Press conference time will be announced in an update.
— Tucson Police Dept (@Tucson_Police) April 1, 2024
As we grieve, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow department members. 2/2
A procession was held Tuesday for Officer Buckner. You can watch the beginning of that procession in the player below:
The driver that hit and killed Buckner suffered minor injuries. Police do not believe the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. No citations or charges have been filed in the crash.
Anyone with information about what happened or anyone who saw the collision is urged to contact 520-791-4389.
The investigation is ongoing, Tucson police say.
"Officer Buckner was a son, a brother, a husband, and a friend of many, and a true law enforcement professional," Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar said Monday morning.
Watch the full press conference in the video player below:
Buckner joined Tucson PD in 2021 after serving four years with the New Orleans Police Department in Louisiana.
“People loved his enthusiasm and desire to serve this community," Chief Kasmar said.
Bucker was described as "a hero amongst heroes” and an “outstanding officer."
This is the second time an Arizona officer was injured in just a few days.
Late Friday night, an off-duty police officer in Phoenix was hospitalized after being shot multiple times overnight.
We'll continue to provide the latest updates to this story as soon as they become available.