Beshear identifies deputy sheriff who was shot in Crittenden County confrontation

UPDATE: April 30 at 9:45 a.m.

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle has died after succumbing to injuries he sustained when he was shot in the line of duty in early April, Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Thursday.

“Kentucky, I’ve got some tough news. Today we lost Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle, who succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the line of duty in early April,” Beshear said. “Deputy Coyle sacrificed everything protecting our commonwealth, and we are forever grateful to him. Please join Britainy and me as we pray for his family and fellow officers during this difficult time.”

Coyle was shot during an afternoon confrontation at a home on KY 365, located between Mattoon and Sturgis. Officers responded to the home just after 5 p.m. Initial reports suggest officers were there to perform a welfare check, though the reason for their presence has not been confirmed.

Original Story:

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) —Two people, including a Crittenden County Sheriff’s deputy, were shot in an afternoon confrontation in a home on KY 365 Thursday.

According to the Crittenden Press, officers responded to the home located between Mattoon and Sturgis just after 5 p.m; the publication writes that it is currently unclear why officers were at the home, but initial reports suggest it was to perform a welfare check.

The identities of the deputy, who was later airlifted, and the other individual shot have not been released; an elderly woman in the home was also transported to a local hospital. The publication has confirmed that the coroner is on scene.

Departments and police agencies from across the state have begun to voice their support and prayers for the deputy.

Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson reports that he and other deputies responded to assist following the shooting, and asked the public to “keep all those involved in your thoughts and prayers.”

The agency confirmed that the scene remains active.

Beshear released the following statement regarding the shooting:

“Kentucky, please join me and Britainy as we pray for Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Coyle, who was shot last night in the line of duty. Deputy Coyle showed the upmost bravery while protecting our commonwealth, and his family and fellow officers need our support right now. Let’s wrap our arms around them.”