An Amarillo, Texas police officer who was severely injured in an on-duty crash last year has died.
Officer Justin Scherlen was on vacation with his family in New Mexico last Thursday at the time of his death, according to The Globe-News.
While an autopsy into the cause of the 39-year-old's death is pending, officials said that it is likely connected to the September 2015 wreck.
"The only thing we can assume is that it is due to his accident that happened while he was on duty," Dirk Swope of the Texas Panhandle 100 Club told the newspaper, adding that the 100 Club "will be assisting the family in some way, shape or form. We're trying to figure out the best way to go about that."
Scherlen was traveling west on Southwest 34th Avenue near the intersection of South Georgia Street on September 8 when a Jeep driven by Brian David Moody crossed the center lane and collided head-on with the officer's cruiser.
Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate Scherlen from the vehicle and he was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital with numerous broken bones and traumatic injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries and physical rehabilitation following the crash.
Scherlen was awarded the law enforcement Purple Heart award the following November for injuries sustained while on duty.
The 12-year member of the force is survived by his wife and four children.
