Posted on 08/31/2008 7:03:22 AM PDT by BigBlueJon
ASHLAND — An Ashland police officer and his wife were killed Saturday in a motorcycle accident in eastern Ohio.
Ashland Police Department Sgt. Charles “Chuck” E. Leadingham Jr., 44, and Denise Leadingham, 42, were killed when their motorcycle crashed on I-77 near Marietta, Ohio.
Chuck Leadingham was a nearly 20-year veteran of the APD, beginning as a Public Safety Officer before advancing through the ranks to become a sergeant and field supervisor, according to Chief Rob Ratliff.
Denise Leadingham was an employee at Federal Correctional Institute in Summit. The couple are survived by a daughter and a son.
According to Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd McDonald, the accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. near mile marker eight on I-77 in Washington County, Ohio.
The couple were traveling southbound when they lost control and crashed. McDonald said the rear tire of the motorcycle appeared to have blown out. He said the motorcycle slid off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, ejecting the couple from the motorcycle.
The Salem and Devola Volunteer Emergency Squad and Fire Departments responded to the scene as did a passing motorist who was a certified EMT, McDonald said. The couple were taken to Marietta Memorial Hospital where they were later pronounced dead.
Neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash, McDonald said, adding the investigation is ongoing. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed.
News of the couple’s death spread quickly in Ashland on Saturday shaking not just the APD and city employees, but the entire community. Calls seeking information poured into The Independent and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in Marietta.
McDonald said a large number of family and friends drove the three hours to the hospital to retrieve the couple’s belongings and comfort family members.
“He was a good police officer, a good supervisor and good in the community with everything he was involved in,” Ratliff said.
Leadingham was a volunteer with the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department and worked at the Boyd County Detention Center before joining the APD. He was also well known in the community for his involvement with youth sports, according to Ratliff.
“Its been tough on everyone so far,” Ratliff said, “It’s never easy, and when it’s so sudden it’s even more devastating.”
He said the department is focusing on caring for the family right now.
“Its a very emotional time,” said APD Capt. Todd Kelley, “We’re one big family and losing one person — along with a family member — you take it very personal... we’re very heavy hearted.”
Kelley said the department has received an outpouring of support from all the law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
“Really and truly the entire Tri-State is who I’ve gotten a call from,” he said. “It has been very appreciated.”
McDonald said his agency has also been touched by the tragedy and offered its condolences as well.
“It’s bad when it’s a regular person but its even harder when it’s another officer. We understand what it’s like to lose an officer in the department so our hearts are with you guys,” he said.
I am so sorry for your loss and your family’s loss. Prayer said.
I’m sorry to read this news.
Prayers for you and your family...
I lift them up to God and pray for their children. May God comfort them and fill them with the knowledge of His love...
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.
praying now.
My prayers going up for your family.
My prayers going up for your family.
I am very sorry for this terrible loss. Try to remember and believe that although in a different way, they are always with you. Sometimes when you need them the most, you will feel their presence.
((God Bless))
Prayers for your family and especially their children.
Thank you all for your thoughts. My wife and kids are getting ready right now. We are going to spend some time with the family today. My cousin and his wife were great people. They loved their children and were very involved with their activities. He was a very experienced rider as well as his wife. They were both wearing their helmets, but the back tire really did a job in controlling the bike.
My cousin was “Bad A$$” and was not the guy you would want to meet in a dark alley, but he was the best guy to have in a tough spot. He was a tough man, but also a teddy bear. He would flip my kids upside down and hang them over his head and blow raspberries into their bellies. My kids loved him. They loved to work hard and loved to play hard. They loved riding their Harley. They loved helping their son be the best All Star he could be. They loved their family time.
This will be a big deal around the Tri-State area, and they will be a great loss.
Leni
Prayers up for your family.
Prayers up. †
I’ll be praying.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the lives of Chuck and Denise Leadingham.
Thank You for the family and friends and the precious
memories all have of Chuck and Denise.
Please give all Your peace and comfort that passes our understanding.
In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray this simple prayer.
Amen.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. It’s been a long day. The family is trying to cope with the loss. Everyone is numb and it just hasn’t sunk in yet that they are gone. Going through family pictures and discussing plans just reminds us of the hole that will be tough to fill with them gone.
Their children are holding up pretty well as there is no lack of family support for them. Already the family is planning a memorial and they keep changing locations due to the fact that numbers keep increasing. It’s predicted that more than six thousand visitors and hundreds of close family and friends will be attending the services. These two loved ones are well loved in the community.
Keep us all in your prayers, please. Thanks.
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