Tennessee Detective Succumbs to Injuries

Jan. 31, 2015
Jacksboro Detective Mike Starrett died of injuries Friday he sustained in a crash one week earlier.

A Jacksboro, Tenn. police detective succumbed to injuries Friday that he sustained in a crash one week earlier.

Detective Mike Starrett was injured in a wreck on Jan. 23 while responding to the scene of a fatal crash, according to WVLT-TV.

Tennessee Highway Patrol officials said that Starrett was driving south on Little Cove Creek Road when the crash occurred at the intersection of state Highway 116 around 4:51. The detective was driving an unmarked car and had his emergency sirens activated.

While other drivers pulled over prior to the crash, the driver of a pickup truck was unable to stop and slid into the Starrett's cruiser head-on.

He was transported to University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment of a broken left leg, knee, hip, elbow, arm and shoulder. He underwent multiple surgeries before his death.

The community had organized three blood drives all in support of Starrett and 56 pints of blood were collected during the first blood drive alone.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts and the most tearful eyes that we sadly report, by the authority and blessing of Jacksboro Police Chief Danny Chapman, that Jacksboro Police Detective Mike Starrett passed away a short time ago at UT Medical Center, after injuries he received from an on duty car crash," the Campbell County Sheriff's Office posted on its Facebook page. "He fought bravely and chiefly with the heart of a lion. A public servant's true testament is that he or she will lay down their own life in the service and rescue of another. That's exactly what Mike did and what he exemplified in his life and service to Campbell County and all of its citizens.

"We humbly pray for Mike Starrett's precious soul that now lays in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the heavens we all will enjoy one day. Continue with us, praying and loving his wife and all the family."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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