Carrollton police officer, driver killed in crash on President George Bush Turnpike

CARROLLTON, Texas - A Carrollton police officer was killed in a crash on the George Bush Turnpike late Tuesday night.

Carrollton police say Officer Steve Nothem was backing up a DWI investigation in the westbound lanes of the PGBT near Josey Lane when a passing driver struck the officer around 10:30 p.m.

The driver of that car, 82-year-old Philip Parker of Carrollton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Nothem was transported to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

"This was the first officer that the city of Carrollton has lost in the line of duty, so this has hit our department pretty hard," said Rex Redden, Carrollton's acting police chief. "This officer served valiantly. And we all know the heavy risk in public safety today, especially out on our highways. We mourn his loss, and our police family is in mourning."

Carrollton police say Nothem leaves behind a wife a 13-year-old son, twin 6-year-old sons and a 1-year-old daughter. He joined the Carrollton police force in March 2020.

Before coming to Carrollton Nothem served in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.

The police department’s chief there spoke to FOX 4 via Zoom.

"I came upon various commendations in his file most related to the compassion he showed to crime victims. Everyone echoed that about the compassion he showed people experiencing their worst days," said Grand Chute Police Chief Greg Peterson. "One of the first things we do is fill out a packet that helps administrators if there is a tragedy. We don't think it will happen to us. This is a stark reminder there are tragedies, and everyone who puts on a uniform needs to remember it could be the last time."

Prior to his career in law enforcement, Nothem served many years in the U.S. Marines.

Officers held a procession from West Parker Road to the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office in the early morning hours.

Fellow police officers saluted as the officer's body, wrapped in an American flag, was taken inside the building.

In a Facebook post that captured Nothem's personality, the Carrollton Police Department offered sympathies to the fallen officer’s wife and children, adding "We are comforted by the everlasting memories we have of his goofy demeanor, kind heart, and unforgettable Wisconsin accent on our radios. Rest in peace, Nothem. We'll forever miss you. And we'll take it from here."

There is now a growing memorial outside of the Carrollton Police Department where people have come to pay respects to Officer Nothem. His photo sits next to a squad vehicle decorated with flowers, letters and nearby items highlighting a community in mourning. 

"It’s a shock, especially for the city of Carrollton never having an officer killed in the line of duty," said Heather Blalock, who was paying her respects.

"Carrollton is a community. We have each other’s back," said Whitney Hamill. "Help the kids. Help the family. Anything the mom needs."

Police say no initial evidence indicates alcohol was a factor in the crash, but they say they still have a long investigation to go.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, and funeral services for Nothem are pending.

The crash comes exactly one week after a Dallas police officer was hit and killed by a wrong-way driver on his way to work.