Carrollton police officer and father of 4 Steve Nothem killed in the line of duty
CARROLLTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — A Carrollton police officer has died after getting struck by a car Tuesday night.
Just before 10:30 p.m. Oct. 18, officer Steve Nothem was backing up another officer on a DWI investigation in the westbound lanes of 1905 E. President George Bush Turnpike when he was hit by a passing driver, the department stated.
Police said the passing driver, identified as 82-year-old Phillip Parker, was pronounced dead at the scene. Nothem was taken to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano where he was pronounced dead.
Fellow officers gathered at the hospital and awaited his transport to the Collin County Medical Examiner's office early Wednesday morning, according to public safety information manager Jolene DeVito.
The department later expressed there sorrow for his loss, stating: "We are devastated by the loss of our favorite Wisconsin transplant, but we are comforted by the everlasting memories we have of his goofy demeanor, kind heart, and unforgettable Wisconsin accent on our radios."
Nothem is survived by his wife, a 13-year-old son, twin 6-year-old sons, a 1-year-old-daughter and many extended family members, police said.
He joined the Carrollton Police Department in March of 2020 after serving the Grand Chute Police Department in Wisconsin for four years. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Nothem served in the U.S. Marines.
Police said the cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and funeral services for Nothem are pending.
Nothem is the first Carrollton police officer to die in the line of duty, according to Carrollton Police Chief Rex Redden.
Former Carrollton Police Chief Derick Miller, who's now the Chief of Police in Irving, said Nothem was a "true servant leader."
"He always wore a smile on his face. He loved serving others. My heart goes out to his family," he wrote on Twitter.
WATCH: Acting Carrollton Police Chief Rex Redden gives a statement on the officer killed overnight
