U.S. Army · United States 
Ryan Hayworth
2021
Ryan Andrew Hayworth served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Motor vehicle
What Happened
Police Officer Ryan Hayworth was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by a suspected drunk driver at about 2:40 am.
Officer Hayworth, along with his training officer, were at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on I-540, near mile marker 22, when their patrol car was struck by the other vehicle, which failed to move over or reduce its speed. Officer Hayworth suffered fatal injuries in the collision. His training officer, as well as the original accident victim and the suspected drunk driver, were seriously injured. In 2022 the suspect was charged with second degree murder.
Officer Hayworth was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Knightdale Police Department for only three months. He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two step-brothers. His father was a retired Police Chief of the Zebulon Police Department.
Officer Hayworth, along with his training officer, were at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on I-540, near mile marker 22, when their patrol car was struck by the other vehicle, which failed to move over or reduce its speed. Officer Hayworth suffered fatal injuries in the collision. His training officer, as well as the original accident victim and the suspected drunk driver, were seriously injured. In 2022 the suspect was charged with second degree murder.
Officer Hayworth was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Knightdale Police Department for only three months. He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two step-brothers. His father was a retired Police Chief of the Zebulon Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two step-brothers.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Knightdale Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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