An Ohio community is grieving after an off-duty police officer was killed in a crash early Saturday morning.

Matthew Juniper was a 25-year-old officer with the Wellston Police Department. He died after a golf cart he was riding in was struck from behind. The crash happened around 2 a.m. on South Pennsylvania Avenue near the intersection of Sixth Street in Wellston, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Juniper was off duty at the time.

A Sudden Impact

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said a Hyundai traveling along the roadway collided with the golf cart, sending it off the road and into a tree. Juniper, who was riding as a passenger, was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The driver of the golf cart, whose identity has not been released, was airlifted to a hospital in West Virginia. Officials have not disclosed the extent of their injuries. The driver of the Hyundai reportedly suffered only minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation, and authorities have released no additional details as they work to determine exactly what led up to the collision.

“Everything You Would Want in a Police Officer”

As news of Juniper’s death spread, the Wellston Police Department shared an emotional tribute that painted a picture of a young officer deeply respected by his colleagues and community.

“Matt was truly one of a kind, everything you would want in a police officer and more,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. “Compassionate and fair, hard-working and dedicated to his craft, fun to work with and a joy to be around.”

Juniper joined the department in 2021, but coworkers say he fit in immediately.

“He fit right in like a seasoned veteran,” the department said, adding that he quickly became an irreplaceable part of the team.

A Loss Felt Beyond the Badge

Those who worked alongside Juniper described him as someone who brought energy and kindness into every shift, the kind of officer who didn’t just enforce the law, but genuinely cared about the people he served.

“Matt was truly an asset to the City of Wellston and our residents,” the department said. “Matt will be greatly missed by everyone on our team and in our community.”

Messages of condolence and support followed the department’s announcement.

Officials have not said whether charges will be filed or if impairment played a role in the crash. For now, investigators are focused on reconstructing the events that led to the collision.