Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect additional information from NKU Police Chief Jason Willis.

One of Northern Kentucky University’s police officers was killed Friday morning while he was off duty.

Roy Sims, 51, died from injuries sustained in a crash in Montgomery, Ohio. He was escorting a funeral procession to Gate of Heaven Cemetery when the hearse struck the motorcycle he was riding around 11:39 a.m., according to a press release from Montgomery Police.

Sims was in critical condition, but responsive, at the scene, police said. He was transported to Bethesda North Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Sims has been with NKU since December 2009, said Police Chief Jason Willis.

“Every one is pretty shocked about what happened,” Willis said. “We’re a pretty tight-knit group.”

The chief said Sims “loved the community aspect” of his job. Sims was on bike patrol at NKU.

“He liked to go out and meet with students,” Willis said. He added that Sims was well-known and respected in Northern Kentucky, and served as a mentor to younger officers in the department.

“Its going to be a tough spot to try to fill,” Wills said. “There weren’t too many like him.”


The Northerner will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.