A police officer from Independence died at Heartland Regional Medical Center on Sunday from injuries he suffered in a hunting accident.

According to a release from the Independence Police Department, Officer James Lockard was hunting in northern Missouri and was knocked off an ATV by a falling tree on Saturday.

Police say he was transported to Heartland where he died the next day.

Officer Lockard had been with the Independence Police Department since July, 2008, and had served in the Patrol Division and on the Special Response Team. He is survived by a wife, son, and step-son.

Donations for the family’s expenses can be given to the following account:
James Lockard Memorial
c/o Code One Credit Union
PO Box 2700
Kansas City, MO 64127

Details regarding Officer Lockard’s services are being developed.