Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Ryan Hayworth was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by a suspected drunk driver at about 2:40 am.
Officer Hayworth, along with his training officer, were at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on I-540, near mile marker 22, when their patrol car was struck by the other vehicle, which failed to move over or reduce its speed. Officer Hayworth suffered fatal injuries in the collision. His training officer, as well as the original accident victim and the suspected drunk driver, were seriously injured. In 2022 the suspect was charged with second degree murder.
Officer Hayworth was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Knightdale Police Department for only three months. He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two step-brothers. His father was a retired Police Chief of the Zebulon Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two step-brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-DFCE7D34- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ryan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Hayworth served with the Knightdale Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Knightdale community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Ryan Andrew Hayworth served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Police Officer Ryan Andrew Hayworth is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ryan Andrew Hayworth's cause is highlighted.
How Ryan Andrew Hayworth Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ryan Andrew Hayworth is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ryan Andrew Hayworth was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.