A Chapel Hill Police officer died in a car crash on Monday in Chatham County, with the department’s announcement prompting support from local law enforcement officers and community members.

The police department shared a message from Police Chief Celisa Lehew on Tuesday saying Officer Mike Mineer died from a crash in Chatham County. The 19-year veteran of the department was in its patrol division and described as having a boisterous personality. Mineer was 55 years old.

“Mike was a dedicated family man and a caring colleague,” wrote Lehew. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends — including his CHPD family — in this difficult time. We are doing all that we can to lift them up, and we ask that everyone give them the space they need to grieve.”

 

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the fatal crash happened along U.S. 421 in Chatham County — which runs near Mineer’s address in Bear Creek. Investigators said at 3:39 p.m., deputies responded to a crash between a log truck and an SUV. The truck stopped in the travel lane due to traffic ahead and the SUV “failed to reduce speed,” hitting the log truck from behind, according to a statement from the highway patrol. Mineer was the driver of the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chapel Hill Police confirmed that Mineer was off duty when the crash occurred.

Dozens of community members shared their condolences and stories of Mineer under the police department’s post announcing his death. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood also posted and mourned Mineer — saying law enforcement is a group all “connected by the badge” and stating how difficult it is to lose a colleague.

“The news of the loss of one of our own is devastating and leaves us with an empty feeling which can only be filled by standing with one another and moving forward,” wrote Blackwood. “Please keep the men and women of the Chapel Hill Police Department, ‘The Guardians of The Hill,’ in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.”

“The UNC Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mike Mineer and the Chapel Hill Police Department,” wrote the university’s police force on Facebook. “Mike was always a wonderful friend and partner to our agency and will be deeply missed.”

“I worked with Mike for several years, but more importantly, he was a good friend,” wrote Orange County District Attorney Jeff Nieman. “Stephanie and I are heartbroken over this loss to the community, particularly for his wife, Jamelle and son, Jag. Just sad beyond words.”

Following Mineer’s death, a GoFundMe campaign was started by a Chatham County resident to try and help with “family expenses within the coming months/years.”

 

Photo via the Chapel Hill Police Department.

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