Sedona AZ (January 11, 2013) – Late this afternoon, Department of Public Safety officials notified Sheriff Scott Mascher that YCSO Lt. Wayne Loughrige, 51, and his son, Joseph Arter, 17, were both killed in single vehicle collision. The accident occurred on southbound Highway 69, milepost 277, in Humboldt, Arizona.

DPS officers indicate a 2005 Dodge Durango, driven by Wayne, drifted into the center median, over corrected, and lost control before colliding with an embankment along the right side of the roadway. Both Wayne and his son Joseph, who was a passenger in the car, suffered severe trauma from the collision and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Wayne and Joseph had been wearing their seatbelts and there is no indication that vehicle speed or driver impairment was a factor in the accident. DPS will be handling the accident investigation.

Wayne has been with YCSO since 1991, and is a 21-year-veteran. His current assignment as Northern Area Command Patrol Commander was the result of a 2007 promotion. His office was located at the Williamson Valley sub-station in Prescott where Wayne also has a home.

Lt. Loughrige began his career as a Detention Officer before becoming a Deputy Sheriff and then Patrol Sargeant in 1998. Wayne was married to Kristine in October of 2012.

YCSO personnel are devastated by this tragic death involving Wayne and son. Sheriff Mascher has been meeting with YCSO employees throughout the afternoon and evening to brief them on the tragedy. The Sheriff would also like to express his appreciation for the concern and care of DPS officers who handled the accident scene and reporting.

On behalf of the entire agency, Sheriff Mascher would like to express his condolences to Wayne’s wife, Joseph’s mother, and the entire Loughrige family.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260.

For the best Sedona Arizona News and Views? Subscribe to www.SedonaEye.com today.