Funeral held for NYPD Officer Richard Christopher, killed in wrong-way crash

Family, friends and about 100 colleagues gathered Tuesday to say goodbye to an NYPD officer who served the Bronx.  Officer Richard Christopher was killed when he drove the wrong way on the New York

News 12 Staff

Aug 20, 2014, 5:24 PM

Updated 3,546 days ago

Share:

Funeral held for NYPD Officer Richard Christopher, killed in wrong-way crash
Family, friends and about 100 colleagues gathered Tuesday to say goodbye to an NYPD officer who served the Bronx. 
Officer Richard Christopher was killed when he drove the wrong way on the New York State Thruway last week. Police say the 32-year-old's pickup truck collided with another vehicle, also killing that driver. 
Loved ones speculate that fatigue played a role in the crash. They say Christopher had been working long shifts with the NYPD. 
A preliminary autopsy found no evidence of drugs or alcohol, but further blood tests will take several weeks.
In addition to his time with New York's finest, Christopher also served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan. He leaves behind a fiancée, who is pregnant with their child. 

 

There had been some controversy leading up to the final farewell as the NYPD allegedly banned fellow officers from wearing uniforms to the funeral due to negative publicity. 


More from News 12
0:51
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:38
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant