Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan dies nearly 7 years after devastating motorcycle crash

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Andy Chan, who passed away nearly seven years after a motorcycle crash left him with severe brain injuries.

What we know:

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 announced Chan’s death in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. 

“Andy died a hero, and we will always remember and honor his sacrifice,” the union wrote.

Officer Chan was struck by a driver while on duty in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia in January 2019. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered a severe brain injury that left him in a coma for months. After emerging from the coma, he required 24-hour care. 

The crash was later ruled an accident. 

At the time of the crash, Chan had just entered his 24th year with the department. Becoming a police officer was a childhood dream for him, and his passing leaves a significant void for those who knew and loved him. 

Officer Chan is survived by his wife and children, along with an entire police force that remembers him as a hero. The community is encouraged to continue supporting his family and honoring his memory.

Andy Chan’s Legacy

What they’re saying:

Roosevelt Poplar, president of FOP Lodge #5, said, “Andy had a smile that would penetrate your heart and when you saw him, when he walked in a room, he was always smiling. It was contagious,” said Roosevelt Poplar, president of FOP Lodge #5.

“Andy’s old partner Kyle Cross said that being highway patrol in Philadelphia is all that Andy wanted to do and he got there and he was at the pinnacle of his life. It defined him,” said Mark O’Connor, executive director of the Families Behind The Badge Children’s Foundation.

Families Behind the Badge also announced Tuesday that they would be moving forward with the 6th Annual Andy Chan Block Party on Friday, Dec. 12. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Chan family and 10 other families of fallen or critically-injured first responders. 

The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department and interviews conducted by FOX 29’s Shaynah Ferreira. 

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