Funeral arrangements announced for THP trooper killed in Nashville motorcycle crash

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Funeral arrangements have been announced for an off-duty Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper killed in a motorcycle crash in Nashville.

Trooper Aaron Rumford will be laid to rest Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Walnut Street Church of Christ. Rumford's family will receive friends Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Home and then again on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until service time at Walnut Street Church of Christ.

Rumford, 29, of Nashville, died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday, Sept. 12. Investigators say Rumford was driving south on 21st Ave. from the Hillsboro Village area on his Yamaha motorcycle when he hit a northbound Audi turning onto Portland Ave. The driver of the Audi did not receive any injuries. Rumford was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he died.

The Nashville native started his law enforcement career as an intern for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. From there, he became a trooper in 2015 and was first assigned to Wilson County, then was chosen for the Executive Protection Unit for Governor Bill Lee.

The governor tweeted his condolences Monday.

"Maria & I are shocked & heartbroken by the tragic loss of Aaron Rumford, a Tennessee State Trooper & member of our Executive Protection Unit. Aaron devoted his life to protecting others & was one of the kindest individuals we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. During his time on security detail, he became a beloved member of our family. We are lifting up prayers for the Rumford family & all of Aaron’s loved ones during this time of unimaginable grief," Governor Lee shared on social media.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is also left mourning the loss of own of their own.

"It is with deep sorrow that we inform you we lost one of our own. Trooper Aaron Rumford was tragically killed in an off-duty motor vehicle crash yesterday evening. Aaron exemplified the core values of the THP in all aspects of his life. Please keep Aaron’s family in your prayers," the Tennessee Highway Patrol shared in a statement.

While Rumford loved his job, loved ones say he had a servant's heart and enjoyed going to church and on mission trips.

"He wanted to make sure people saw the Lord through him and the life that he lived," the trooper's obituary says.

Rumford was a graduate of Creekwood High School and later attended Freed-Hardeman University. The Tennessee Titans fan loved to cheer on his team. He also spent a lot of time outdoors playing volleyball, hiking and riding his motorcycle.

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations in honor of Rumford to the Tennessee State Trooper Association or White Bluff Church of Christ. Information on memorials to the Tennessee State Trooper Association can be found here.