Trooper crashes at traffic stop, killing another trooper who is his brother, NC cops say

UPDATE: A public service to honor Trooper John S. Horton will be Friday, Jan. 7, on the campus of Isothermal Community College in Forest City, N.C. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Foundation Auditorium. The funeral will be at 5 p.m. in the auditorium. The original story is below.

A state trooper and a civilian motorist were killed in a car crash that involved the trooper’s brother — who is also a state trooper, according to the N.C. Department of Public Safety.

It happened just before 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at a traffic stop in Rutherford County, southeast of Asheville.

Investigators identified the trooper who died as John S. Horton, a 15-year veteran assigned to Rutherford County.

The civilian driver was identified as 26-year-old Dusty Luke Beck, of South Carolina, officials said.

Horton died when his brother, Trooper James N. Horton, was responding to assist him in a traffic stop near the intersection of High Shoals Church and Goodes Grove Church roads, officials said.

“Trooper James Horton lost control of his vehicle upon approaching the traffic stop,” officials said.

“James Horton collided with the stationary patrol vehicle and subsequently struck Trooper John Horton and the detained driver who were standing along the roadside.”

John Horton died after being taken to a hospital in Spartanburg, South Carolina, officials said.

The detained driver died at the scene.

“Trooper James Horton was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries and has since been released. The two involved troopers are brothers,” state officials said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Details on road conditions were not released, but the crash happened after a day of snow, sleet and quick-dropping temperatures in the mountains.

“Our hearts are broken with the loss of our friend and our brother, Trooper John Horton,” State Highway Patrol Commander Col. Freddy L. Johnson Jr. said in a news release.

“For all involved in this tragic event the coming days will undoubtedly be difficult, but we are committed to stand alongside with them with our thoughts, prayers and unwavering support.”

This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 7:23 AM with the headline "Trooper crashes at traffic stop, killing another trooper who is his brother, NC cops say."