Hero Down: Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant D. Heath Meyer Succumbs To Injuries

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant Heath Meyer EOW 07/24/2017.

Lieutenant D. Heath Meyer Dies

Moore, OK – Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lieutenant D. Heath Meyer died on Monday, July 24, from injuries received after being struck by a vehicle on July 14.

The hero lieutenant was mortally wounded at about 10:15 PM on July 14 as Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers were pursuing a vehicle on I-35 near Tecumseh Road. Lieutenant Meyer was putting out stop sticks near I-35 and I-27 when he was struck by a vehicle.

He was transported to an Oklahoma City Hospital in critical condition.

An investigation determined that he was struck by another trooper’s vehicle, when two troopers swerved to avoid the stop sticks, and struck each other, according to KFOR.

The suspect who was being pursued, Dangelo Ladon Burgess, avoided the stop sticks but was arrested later that night.

In a statement, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Chief Ricky Adams said, “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Lt. Heath Meyer. Lt. Meyer put up a valiant fight but succumbed to his injuries.  For more than 80 years the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has provided an unmatched commitment to duty, sacrifice and dedication to service above self. Lt. Meyer led from the front and served as a superb example for his family, friends, partners and the public.”

Lieutenant Meyer graduated from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy in 2005.  Many described him as a ‘godly’ man, who also served as an associate pastor at a Cleveland County church.  He is survived by his wife Missy, and two daughters, Isabelle, 15, and Lily, 10.

A GoFundMe page was set up for the fallen hero’s family HERE.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of OHP Lieutenant D. Heath Meyer, both blood and blue.  Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here.  Thank you for your service.

Lieutenant Meyer, your life mattered.