United States of America
Headstone of Richard Francis Champy
U.S. Navy · United States United States

Richard Francis Champy

Died February 3, 1978

Richard Francis Champy served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. Richard served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Natural
Cause Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
What Happened

Trooper Richard Champy suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a hit-and-run suspect. He initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 89 in Lebanon after receiving a report of a vehicle running another vehicle off the road and not stopping. During the stop, Trooper Champy and another trooper struggled with the driver and passenger. During the altercation, Trooper Champy collapsed. He was unable to be resuscitated and died at a New London Hospital. The driver pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated, was sentenced to 30 days plus a $500 fine, and was fined $100 for failing to stop after an accident. The passenger was found guilty of resisting arrest and intoxication and was sentenced to 30 days and fined $220 for resisting arrest and $27.50 for intoxication. He was found innocent of assaulting Trooper Champy. Trooper Champy was a United States Navy Vietnam War veteran and had served with the New Hampshire State Police for eight years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and brother.
Media
Richard Francis Champy
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Service Record
U.S. Navy
1964 – 1968
Also Served
New Hampshire State Police
Trooper
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 52W · Line 9 cut as RICHARD F CHAMPY
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpbvxj69a4aj3d4fz3cm
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Trooper Champy gave the New Hampshire State Police 8 years.

Thank you for your service to the people of New Hampshire, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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