Police Officer, Former Officer Died In Binghamton Crash

A current Binghamton police officer and a former member of the city police department died as the result of a motorcycle crash on Route 434.

City police say 28-year-old Police Officer Katie Brown was pronounced dead at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City.

Investigators say former officer Christopher Stoeckel was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Stoeckel was with the Binghamton Police Department from March 2008 until October 2012.

Police say they believe the 35-year-old Stoeckel was driving the motorcycle and Brown was a passenger.

According to a statement released by police, both were thrown from the motorcycle when Stoeckel lost control and struck a guide rail.

Investigators believe speed was a factor. Toxicology results are pending.

Police say the crash happened at about 10:12 p.m. Sunday on Route 434 near the Pennsylvania Avenue exit.

Police Chief Joseph Zikuski said "once again our local law enforcement community is mourning the loss of a police officer." The chief noted police are continuing to mourn the loss of Johnson City Police Officer David Smith, who was shot to death on March 31.

Zikuski's statement said: "Although Officer Brown was only with us for a few years, she like all other law enforcement officers was dedicated to serving and protecting her community. She will be missed by her family, friends and coworkers."

Funeral services for Officer Brown will be held in her home state of Indiana.

Police say the crash is under investigation. The eastbound lanes of Route 434 were closed this morning while crash reconstruction work was underway.