A Korean American police officer in Garden Grove died in a car accident while returning home from work.
According to the Garden Grove Police Department (GGPD), Corporal Han Cho, 50, was riding a motorcycle when it collided with a silver Toyota Prius at the intersection of Euclid Street and Glenoaks Avenue in Anaheim around 3 p.m. on August 7. Cho was taken to the hospital shortly after the crash but sadly passed away. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries, as reported by the police.
The exact cause of the accident has not been disclosed yet.
However, the Garden Grove Police Department has ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor. Video footage of the incident captured by OnSceneTV showed that the damage to the other car was concentrated on the left passenger door.
“Han was loved by many, and his tragic passing has left all of us in shock and disbelief,” said an acquaintance of Cho, who set up a fundraiser on the GoFundMe website (www.gofundme.com/f/han-cho). “At this time, we are asking for help with any unexpected medical bills, funeral arrangements, and also to ensure that his 2 young children are taken care of as they learn to navigate their lives without their father.” The goal is to raise $40,000. As of 10 a.m. on August 9, more than $35,000 had already been raised.
Cho leaves behind a teenage son and daughter.
The police department expressed its condolences in a statement, requesting “prayers for Mr. Cho.”
Cho, a 1.5-generation immigrant who came to the United States at age 4, was a 28-year veteran of the Garden Grove Police Department, having graduated from the police academy.
Cho had been working in the Neighborhood Traffic Unit (NTU), which is responsible for ensuring traffic safety by monitoring racing and roadblocks.
This marks the second incident of a Korean American officer’s death this year. On April 28, Officer Paul Ahn of the Los Angeles Police Department passed away due to a “medical emergency.” Ahn was also a 28-year police veteran.
BY YEJIN KIM [kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
