North Carolina Trooper Honored After Fatal Wrong-Way Crash

Family of Trooper Steven J. Perry receives gifts and recognition from law enforcement groups.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or other symbolic crime-related object, lit dramatically with a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a somber, investigative mood without depicting any violence or victims.The tragic death of a young state trooper underscores the risks law enforcement officers face while serving their communities.Durham Today

The family of North Carolina State Trooper Steven J. Perry, who was killed in a wrong-way crash in Durham last month, was honored this week by his fellow troopers and presented with gifts from law enforcement organizations. Trooper Perry, a Durham native and former football player at N.C. Central University, leaves behind a fiancée and their 9-month-old daughter.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Trooper Perry, who was just 30 years old, has deeply impacted the Durham community where he grew up and served. The recognition from his law enforcement peers and support organizations aims to provide some comfort to his grieving family.

The details

On Tuesday, April 7th, employees from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol's Troop C, District 7 joined Trooper Perry's family as they were honored by the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police and the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association. The organizations presented the family with gifts to show their condolences and support. Perry was killed on March 1st when he was hit by a wrong-way driver on N.C. 147 in Durham.

  • Trooper Perry died on March 1, 2026 in the wrong-way crash.
  • His family was honored by law enforcement groups on April 7, 2026.

The players

Trooper Steven J. Perry

A 30-year-old North Carolina State Trooper from Durham who was killed in a wrong-way crash. He was a former football player at Riverside High School and N.C. Central University.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that Trooper Perry worked for and that honored his family after his death.

North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police

An organization that presented gifts to Trooper Perry's family to show their condolences and support.

United States Deputy Sheriff's Association

An organization that presented gifts to Trooper Perry's family to show their condolences and support.

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The takeaway

The outpouring of support for Trooper Perry's family from his law enforcement colleagues and statewide organizations underscores the deep impact his death has had on the Durham community he served. As the family continues to grieve, this recognition helps honor his memory and the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.