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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Christopher Ray was killed in an automobile accident as he and his FTO were responding to a fight call in Newsoms at 5:20 am.
A tree had fallen across General Thomas Highway, approximately one mile west of Shady Brook Trail, during an overnight storm. The patrol car swerved to avoid the fallen tree and went off the road, striking another tree. Deputy Ray, who was the passenger, suffered fatal injuries.
Deputy Ray had served with the Southampton County Sheriff's Office for only three months.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ray served with the Southampton County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Courtland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ray.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Christopher is the only officer of Southampton County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Christopher is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2009, 3 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 2009, 57 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 81st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2009, 66 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 81st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Christopher was 22. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. Christopher had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christopher was 22. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Christopher had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christopher was 22. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Christopher had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 10.3% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 12.8%. Saturdays: 17.7%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.9%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Southampton County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Southampton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.