Memorial Fund Established For Family Of BA Officer Killed In Crash

The Broken Arrow Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 170 has set up a GoFundMe memorial fund for the family of the off-duty BAPD officer who was killed in a motorcycle crash Saturday. 

Coweta Police identified the off-duty Broken Arrow Police officer as Officer Eugene "Gene" Orr, a 12-year veteran of the BAPD.

Orr was riding a 2014 Kawasaki motorcycle Saturday at about 3 p.m. near East 111th Street and State Highway 51 in Coweta when his motorcycle and a 1997 white Chevy pickup collided, police said. 

Orr, who lived in Coweta with his family, was heading home from getting gas in his motorcycle when the collision occurred, police said.

Coweta Police said the driver of the pickup, 25-year-old Corey Campbell, was likely not paying attention as he tried to turn left into McDonald's and instead he hit Orr.

Police said that stretch of road isn't necessarily accident prone, but they said that particular turning lane is for people turning at the light not the people turning into the McDonald's parking lot.

"I don't know if people realize but crossing a double yellow line is an illegal left-hand turn," said Coweta Police Chief Mike Bell. "And there is a double yellow line in front of that McDonald's so that is an illegal turn."

Bell said instead of cutting across lanes, he would prefer drivers turn left at the light at 111th and enter the restaurant parking lot through the back.

Orr was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries, BAPD said. 

Campbell was not injured.

CPD didn't ticket Campbell and they said they don't believe alcohol played a role in the accident. But, the D.A. will be making the decision Monday on if any charges will be filed, police said.

12/10/2016 Related Story: B.A. Police Officer Dies In Motorcycle Crash

CPD held a press conference Sunday afternoon to address the collision and to release Orr's name as the officer who died. 

"I can't stress enough that drivers need to pay attention," Bell said. "It seems like everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere for no apparent reason. And it's the holiday season and we need to slow down. We need to pay attention to each other."

"I could tell you right now he's probably one of the most professional officers I've seen in a long time," Bell said. 

Orr is a decorated 12-year veteran who helped train Broken Arrow and Coweta officers. 

Bell said he met Orr at a training.

"Real strong ethics. His training was above standard and I enjoyed working around him. I enjoyed working with him," Bell said. 

BAPD released its own statement Sunday afternoon. 

"We express our deepest condolences for Officer Orr’s family," BAPD wrote in the statement. "Please keep the family, both blood and blue, in your thoughts and prayers as we attempt to navigate through this difficult time." 

BAPD Chief David Boggs expressed his sadness for the loss of Officer Orr. 

"We are brokenhearted about the loss of our friend and colleague," said BAPD Chief David Boggs. "Thank you in advance for everyone's understanding and patience as we move through this difficult time."

Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond released a statement Sunday evening about Orr's passing. 

"On behalf of the Broken Arrow City Council and Administration, I want to extend my condolences to Officer Eugene Orr's family," Thurmond said. "Officer Orr made a tremendous impact in Broken Arrow and was well-loved and respected not only by his fellow officers but by the Council, City staff and the community as well. He will be terribly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

BAPD said the collision investigation is ongoing and being conducted by Coweta Police.

Orr is survived by his wife Andrea, son Josh, daughter Hailey and his police family.

"He was a friend to all and he will be sorely missed," fundraising campaign organizers said. "Our sole mission is to honor Gene's service and his memory and to see to it his family is cared for in the future.  Please consider what you can do to help make sure they are never forgotten."

For more information or to donate to the fund, visit the Officer Eugene Orr Memorial Fund page on the GoFundMe website. 

Visitation for Orr begins Wednesday, December 14th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Leonard and Marker Funeral Home at 6521 East 151st Street South, Bixby, Oklahoma 74008.

The funeral is set for Thursday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m. at The Church at BattleCreek at 3025 North Aspen Avenue, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, 74012.