PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A police officer, who had just gotten off work and was blocks away from his home, was killed in a car crash overnight in Northeast Philadelphia.
Officials say just before midnight Thursday, an 18-year-old driving a BMW T-boned officer Henry Gonski, III, 50, slamming into the passenger side of his car near Bustleton Avenue and Rennard Street in Somerton.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we learn of the tragic passing of dedicated, police officer,” the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 wrote in a statement. “Our friend and colleague served this city for some 27 years with distinction, honor and integrity. We pray for his family, friends, and colleagues. The FOP will never forget his dedication and contributions to the police department and this city.”
After crashing into the officer’s car, the BMW driver hit a tree. That driver and two teen passengers inside refused medical treatment, saying they were not hurt, even though both cars were mangled.
Gonski was rushed to the hospital, where he died.
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Although the speed limit posted on Bustleton Avenue is just 30 miles an hour, accident investigators say the damage looks like speeding was definitely a factor.
The officer is the second Philadelphia first responder to be killed in the past week. Fire Lt. Shawn Williamson died in a building collapse on Saturday. He was also a 27-year veteran.