Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Mathews was struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 12, between Route 101 and Shoreline Drive, at approximately 12:30 pm.
He was in the process of removing debris from the roadway when a vehicle struck him. The driver of the car that struck him was driving on a revoked license and was under the influence of narcotics at the time. She was charged with criminal vehicular homicide, as well as narcotics and other charges and was sentenced to eight years.
Officer Mathews had served with the Wayzata Police Department for 19 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 7-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MN-FDE2FBE9- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Mathews gave the Wayzata Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wayzata community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Mathews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Allen Mathews 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 MN, 173 of 293 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59% of this state's fallen. That is 4.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Wayzata Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Allen Mathews's cause is highlighted.
How William Allen Mathews Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 8 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Allen Mathews is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Allen Mathews was killed by automobile; narcotics involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wayzata Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
