Incident
Sergeant Peggy Vassallo was struck and killed by a vehicle while rendering aid to another driver after being involved in an accident shortly before 8:00 am.
Sergeant Vassallo, who was in full uniform, was en route to work when she was involved in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Lindbergh Blvd and Old Jamestown Rd, in St. Louis County. The other driver was complaining of neck pain, prompting Sergeant Vassallo to contact dispatchers to request medical assistance.
As she was speaking to dispatchers another vehicle entered the area at a high rate of speed. The vehicle swerved around Sergeant Vassallo's car and struck her, causing critical injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries several hours later. The driver of the vehicle that struck her was charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter but later pled guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to 2 years of probation in September 2019.
Sergeant Vassallo had served with the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department for 15 years and had previously served with the St. Louis County Police Department for over 13 years. She is survived by her husband, son, and two grandchildren. Sergeant Vassallo was a member of the Police Unity Tour.
Survivors
She is survived by her husband, son, and two grandchildren.
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
29 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Vassallo gave the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department 29 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Vassallo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Peggy is the only officer of Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department remembered here.
Peggy is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
Peggy is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Peggy is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2015, 2 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 2015, 53 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 88th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2015, 55 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Peggy was 53. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. Peggy had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Peggy was 53. 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. Peggy had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Peggy was 53. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Peggy had served 29 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 12.8% of these deaths in MO, more than any other month. Mondays: 15.7%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.4%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department are honored on badge.nw.