Wisconsin police officer’s death at home ruled an accident

NEW RICHMOND, Wis. – Authorities say a long time police officer here suffered an “accidental death” at his home on Tuesday.

The St. Croix county Sheriff’s Department said police found Sgt. Scott Turbeville, 39, a 12-year member of the local police department, dead in his home.

But Sheriff Dennis Hillstead said foul play wasn’t suspected and Turbeville didn’t commit suicide.

An autopsy is being conducted but results are not yet available.

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation into the death.

New Richmond police responded to an emergency call at Turbeville’s home at about 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. New Richmond emergency responders and St. Croix County officers and the medical examiner all responded to the scene.

Turbville graduated from Central St. Croix High School in Hammond, Wis. in 1990.

Turbeville started working with the New Richmond Police Department in 1998. He joined the department full time in 2003 and was named patrol sergeant in 2008.

“Scott was a very family-oriented individual,” said New Richmond Police Chief Mark Samelstad. “His wife and kids meant the world to him.”

Samelstad said the department is pulling together to get through grief they are feeling as a group.

“It’s rough,” he said, “but we’re getting through it. The officers are supporting each other.”

A memorial fund has been established for Turbeville’s children at Royal Credit Union, 355 S. Knowles Avenue, New Richmond.

The New Richmond (Wis.) News is owned by Forum Communications Co.

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