Colleagues, friends mourn cop, 32, killed in Henry Ave. crash - Philly.com
EXCESSIVE SPEED contributed to a crash that claimed the life of an off-duty police officer in Roxborough, police said Sunday. Rafael Ali, 32, of East Oak Lane, was a 10-year veteran of the department whose close friends described him Sunday as a hard worker and a doting father of two. He lost control of his 2007 Dodge Ram pickup truck about 11:43 p. m. Saturday on Henry Avenue near Valley, according to Capt. Ali was traveling "well above" the posted 35 mph speed limit when he drove into a wide curve, Wilczynski said. Medics then took him to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:20 a. m. , police said. No skid marks were found at the scene, indicating that Ali, who was wearing a seat belt, didn't apply the brakes, Wilczynski said. It was unclear Sunday night what caused the crash, but investigators don't believe alcohol played a role, Wilczynski said. Police don't know where he was heading when the crash took place. One police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily News he had worked with Ali at a few crime scenes. He said Ali "had a great personality" and was "meticulous" in completing his work. "It's just a terrible loss of life," the officer said. Source: www.philly.com
