UPDATE: Funeral set for La Vergne police officer after his death in off-duty crash

Scott Broden, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
Updated ·3 min read
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La Vergne police officer Brandon Joyner died off duty from a crash in his personal vehicle in Smyrna, a spokeswoman confirmed.

"The vehicle was found off of Sam Ridley (Parkway) near the greenway submerged in water," Smyrna spokeswoman Heather Kent said. "The greenway was briefly closed near the incident to allow the emergency personnel services to work the scene."

Smyrna police responded at 10 a.m. Monday.

"We don't have a time frame at this point other than the accident occurred sometime overnight," Kent said. "The body was transported to the medical examiner. The investigation is ongoing."

Joyner had been an officer with the La Vergne Police Department for six years. The department posted a statement about his death Monday on Facebook:

"We are asking for prayers for the family of officer Joyner as well as our police department and city as we begin to mourn," a department statement. "We also ask for privacy for officer Joyner’s personal family and LPD family as we process and deal with this loss. Officer Joyner was 46 years old and is a six-year veteran of the La Vergne Police Department."

Brandon Joyner
Brandon Joyner

Funeral arrangements announced

Officer Joyner will be escorted from Murfreesboro to the city of La Vergne on Monday, Dec. 18, prior to his visitation and funeral at Grace Church on Stones River Road. The procession is expected to drive past La Vergne City Hall, 5093 Murfreesboro Rd., sometime after 9:30 a.m., city spokeswoman Anne Smith said in a press release.

  • When: Monday, Dec. 18, 2023

  • Visitation: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

  • Funeral: 1 p.m.

  • Where: Grace Church, 108 Stones River Road, La Vergne, TN 37086

Officer Joyner was both a U.S. Army veteran and active member of the Tennessee National Guard. He will be buried with full military honors, the press release said.

"Brandon was a dedicated and well-respected member of the La Vergne Police Department," Deputy Chief Brent Hatcher said in the press release. "He was a loving family man and an honorable soldier. He was a friend to many, and beloved by even more. Brandon was a man of few words but was always pleasant, professional, and polite. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are better for having known him.”

Police force has dealt with death and wounded officers this year

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Percy Priest Lodge #85, P.O. Box 921, La Vergne, TN 37086.

The La Vergne Police Department has experienced death and injury involving other officers this year. Lt. Robert Hayes died in April from terminal cancer after serving with the department since September 2005.

La Vergne officers Ashely Boleyjack and Gregory Kerr are recovering from wounds after being shot in October outside of a Dollar General store while they were pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle.

"This department has endured many struggles," Chief Chris Moews said in the press release. "I am in awe of how strong our department is, and how they have persevered and continue to serve this community with grace, loyalty, and unwavering dedication."

Officer Joyner known for volunteering for youth tournament

Officer Joyner impressed Universal Sports League director Julia Vestal in La Vergne by volunteering to work in June for a baseball tournament.

“He came to help staff the concession stand,” said Vestal, who founded the Universal Sports League 16 years ago. “He worked all day. No complaints.”

She recalled Joyner asking, “What do you need me to do?” He responded to her reply by saying, “OK. I’m on it.”

Vestal saw him next while he was patrolling during a Fourth of July event and stopped by her tent. He told her he’d volunteer again if needed for basketball, softball and baseball events.

“He was very friendly,” said Vestal, who recalled Joyner saying, “Whatever you need Miss Julia. We’ll be there for you.”

Note: This is a developing story.

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow his on Tweets on X social media platform @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: UPDATE: Funeral set for La Vergne police officer after off-duty crash