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William Steven Mathews
Incident
Patrolman William Mathews was killed when his police motorcycle was struck by a drunk driver that he was attempting to stop on I-95 near PGA Boulevard. He had driven alongside the vehicle in an attempt to motion the driver to pull over, but the driver swerved into his lane and struck his motorcycle. His motorcycle then left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The driver fled the scene but was arrested at a nearby gas station by members of the Florida Highway Patrol. The man was charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and improper lane change. Patrolman Mathews had served with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for only six weeks. He had previously served with Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, the Boynton Beach Police Department, Palm SPrings Police Department, South Palm Beach Police Department, North Lauderdale Police Department, and as a park ranger with the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Mathews served with the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Palm Beach Gardens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mathews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Palm Beach Gardens Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1979, 6 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1979, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1979, 153 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 8.4% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Fridays: 13.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Palm Beach Gardens Police Department are honored on badge.nw.