Amir Abdul-Khaliq -- the 46-year-old Austin police officer who was taken to the hospital after a crash Thursday morning while escorting a funeral procession -- has died, sources have confirmed to KVUE.
Authorities said the crash happened around 11:15 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Burnet Road and Ohlen Road in North Austin. Austin Police Department Sgt. Andy Westbrook told KVUE's Michael Perchick that the officer was escorting a funeral procession with his lights on when the sedan made an illegal left turn and tried to cut through the procession. He added that the officer had his emergency lights on and was in full uniform.
APD escorted Abdul-Khaliq's body to a mosque Monday morning where a private ceremony was held:
APD released a statement after confirming that Abdul-Khaliq had died Sunday:
Despite his valiant fight, it is with deep and heavy hearts that early this evening Senior Police Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq succumbed to his injuries from a motorcycle crash earlier in the week. Abdul-Khaliq has been with the Austin Police Department for 17 years and was most recently assigned to APD’s Highway Enforcement Command. Prior to joining APD, Abdul-Khaliq served in the Marines. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with his family. Officer Abdul-Khaliq was an individual that we all loved and served as a great role model for his children, his peers and our community.The department appreciates all the tireless efforts that the staff from University Medical Center at Brackenridge Hospital provided and their heroic efforts. At this time, the details honoring Officer Abdul-Khaliq are being planned and when that information is available we will share with everyone. Thank you again to all who donated blood, provided support and offered prayers. Please continue to keep Abdul-Khaliq, his family and our APD family in your thoughts and prayers.
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo later released a statement saying in part, "We've lost a hero with a heart of a lion."
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write to advise that approximately 1 hour ago Senior Police Officer Amir Abdul Khaliq succumbed to his injuries despite his valiant fight.
His family was all here in Austin and we will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available. All of our officers will be displaying the Tribute of Mourning Ribbon immediately and until further notice.
On behalf of all of the men and women of the Austin Police Department we wish to thank our community for the tremendous outpouring of prayers, support and love. Please keep Amir, his family, and Amir's extended APD family in your thoughts and prayers.
At this difficult time it's important that we support the good men and women of APD and one another. Amir's APD family are committed to continue to serve in a manner that honors his sacrifice and the sacrifice or all that have paid the ultimate gave their life in service before him.
Acevedo identified the officer early Friday afternoon as Abdul-Khaliq. He has been with the department for nearly 17 years and is a father of five. Acevedo described his condition Friday as "extremely critical" and that he is in need of blood donations.
Just before 8:15 p.m. on Friday night, Acevedo said that Khaliq was showing "positive signs." Further details were not given.
Acevedo also identified the driver of the car as Ana Maria Prado, 51. She has been charged with failure to yield right of way to an emergency vehicle.
Joe Riojas was driving behind the officer as part of the procession and witnessed the collision.
"The officer was coming down to go to his next intersection, and the car was turning into this parking lot and they just ended up colliding," he explained.
Riojas added the vehicle making the turn was not involved in the funeral procession.
"It's always a bad deal when something like this happens to good people," said Riojas.
Sgt. Westbrook knows Abdul Khaliq personally.
"He's an amazing officer. Has excellent character. He makes very good decisions. He's a very experienced motor officer. He's been on motorcycle patrol for a lot of years," said Westbrook.