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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
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wayzata Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 173 officers killed feloniously in MN, 59% of the 293 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2017, 1 officer in MN was killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 93 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 11.
In 2017, 59 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2017, 64 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 125th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 47. Of the 166 killed feloniously in MN whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
William was 47. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.4% of these deaths in MN; August holds the most, 16.8%. Fridays: 17.3%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Wayzata Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 293 deaths in MN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 0.6% 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; narcotics involved, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; narcotics involved, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Wayzata Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wayzata Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
