On November 24, 2018 at approximately 10:50 p.m., Officer Hunter Edwards, 30, was involved in a single vehicle crash on West Jubal Drive in the City of Winchester that took his life. Officer Edwards was responding to a call of a large fight just a few blocks away on S. Loudoun Street. Officer Edwards is survived by many family members including his wife, Tara Edwards, and stepson.
Visitation
Thursday, November 29
3-5 pm and 6-8 pm
Winchester Church of God
2080 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester, VA 22603
https://wincog.com
Funeral*
Friday, November 30
11 am
Winchester Church of God
(Funeral will include inside and outside ceremonies)
*Open to law enforcement personnel, and family, friends and acquaintances of Officer Edwards ONLY
Procession
Community members interested in showing their respects to Officer Edwards, his family and the WPD are encouraged to do so on the procession route following the funeral on November 30. Convenient parking is available at four downtown garages and several nearby lots.
Procession will take place from the Winchester Church of God to Amherst Street:
- Route 522 toward Winchester
- Left on N. Wyck Street
- Right on N. Cameron Street
- Left on E. Piccadilly Street
- Pass the Timbrook Public Safety Center
- Right on N. East Lane
- Right on E. Boscawen Street
- Left on S. Cameron Street
- Right on Cork Street
- Right on Stewart Street
- Left on Amherst Street
- End at Fox Drive
Click here for the procession route map.
Expected Road Closures
The above streets will be closed immediately following the conclusion of the funeral (approx. 1 pm) and remain closed until the procession passes.
Media Guidelines
- First and foremost, the family requests that media representatives respect their privacy during all events.
- Interviews of family members will not be granted during any of the services.
- Representatives must RSVP by noon on 11/29 to attend the funeral (Contact: Amy Simmons, City of Winchester Communications Director, 540-667-1815, ext. 1670, amy.simmons@winchesterva.gov). Media representatives will not be permitted inside the church during visitation.
- Arrive no later than 1o:00 am at the church on 11/30 for check in. Must be set up by 10:30 am. Service will begin at 11:00 am.
- Upon arriving, check in at the front desk with Communications staff and provide credentials.
- An area inside the church will be designated for members of the media during the funeral. A media staging area will be designated for funeral activities held outside.
- A pool camera may be utilized to minimize disruption during the funeral.
- Live streaming is not permitted.
- No flash photography.
- Media parking is designated for convenient exit prior to the procession leaving the church (provided after RSVP is received).
Making Donations to the Edwards Family
The Winchester-Frederick County Law Enforcement Foundation has partnered with City National Bank to establish an honorary fund in the name of Officer Hunter Edwards. Donations are collected at the Winchester and Stephens City branches are by mail (P.O. Box 662, Winchester, VA 22604). Please write "Officer Hunter Edwards" on the subject line of the check.
