Deputy killed on-duty, remembered

COURTLAND, Va. - Sacrifice was honored in Southampton County on Monday. The grief of a line of duty death was realized for the first time in the history of the County's Sheriff's Office.

Rain fell on Main Street in Courtland, the county seat, as the heavy hearted arrived to pay tribute to 22-year-old Deputy Sheriff Christopher Ray.

Southampton County Sheriff Vernie Francis, Jr. told WAVY.com, "It was a fight in progress call. Communications was hearing obvious signs of violence."

In just his third month on the job, Ray and another deputy went to answer the call early Saturday morning. As they traveled on General Thomas Highway just past Handsom Road, a tree fell across the roadway.

"The officers swerved and hit another tree," Francis said.

The driver, Deputy Jason Brinkley, received non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger, Deputy Ray, lost his life.

Sheriff Francis knew Christopher Ray long before Ray joined law enforcement. Ray had been best friends with the sheriff's son since childhood.

"Christopher was a special young man," Francis said quietly. Then he smiled and added, "He was extremely excited about beginning his career. We talked often while he was going to Radford University studying Criminal Justice."

Last Summer, Ray interned with the Southampton County Sheriff's Office.

"I think the relationships he built during that summer really attracted him to want to come back home to where he enjoyed, back with his family and back with his friends," Francis said.

Loved ones in the rural community Ray returned to serve, left flowers and flags in remembrance. Petals and notes covered a Southampton County Sheriff's Office cruiser. A black drape hung under the bouquets.

Francis said, "Together, supporting each other and all of us relying on our faith, we're going to honor Christopher, his family, his friends, and we're going to move forward."

Members of the law enforcement are among those sharing the weight of support. From throughout Virginia, a stream of men and women wearing badges, also draped in black, made their way down Main Street, past the Sheriff's Office, to the cemetery to say goodbye.

Memorial donations are being accepted for the Franklin-Southampton Crime Solvers, 108 W. Third Avenue, Franklin, VA 23851 and Southampton Academy, 26495 Old Plank Road, Courtland, VA 23837.

The accident is being investigated by the Virginia State Police.