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Fayette coroner releases cause of death for officer in fatal crash

By Miles Layton jmlayton@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

A Perryopolis police officer who was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Sunday died of blunt force injuries, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s office.

Officer Richard Champion, 35, of Ligonier was traveling southbound on Route 51 in Perry Township, ready to initiate a traffic stop just before 1:15 p.m., when a gold sports-utility vehicle heading north turned in front of him, state police said. The vehicles collided, and Champion’s car caught on fire. Nearby people who tried to help free him were not able, police said.

The coroner’s office said Tuesday that an autopsy showed that Champion had multiple impact injuries from the collision, and toxicology results are pending.

Police said Champion’s cruiser had its emergency lights and siren activated when it collided with the SUV driven by Andrew Bohatch, co-owner of the Big Barn Country Store and Deli, a local store on Route 51. Bohatch, police said, was turning into the store.

Champion, a part-time officer of eight months, died at the scene. He leaves behind a wife, Dawn, and a 16-month-old son, Tanner.

Champion’s funeral will be held Friday at Holy Trinity Church, West Main Street, Ligonier.

The funeral service will be followed by a procession of family, friends, police and other first responders to the grave site in Cook Township.

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