Southampton deputy killed in crash on way to call

By Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 29, 2009

FRANKLIN

A deputy sheriff in Southampton County was killed early Saturday morning when he and another deputy crashed on the way to a call.

Deputy Christopher Ray, 22, the passenger in the car, was killed on General Thomas Highway near Handsom Road outside Franklin, the sheriff’s office said. The car crashed into a tree that had fallen across the roadway, the sheriff’s office said.

The sheriff’s office said the driver was Deputy Jason Brinkley, who was treated and released from a hospital.

Ray joined the sheriff’s office on June 1 after graduating from Radford University with a degree in criminal justice.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Southampton County Sheriff’s Office go out to Deputy Ray’s family and Deputy Brinkley and his family in this most difficult time," a statment from the sheriff's office said.

Virginia State Police are investigating the crash. A State Police spokeswoman did not return a voicemail Saturday seeking information.

Patrick Wilson, (757) 446-2957, patrick.wilson@pilotonline.com

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