WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation honored fallen Watauga County Sergeant Chris Ward Friday, as the Watauga River bridge on Highway 321 was dedicated in his memory.
On April 28, 2021, Sgt. Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox were shot and killed during a welfare check that turned into an hours-long standoff at a home on Hardeman Circle in Boone. Five people were killed, including the two deputies and a married couple, identified as the homeowners George and Michelle Ligon.
Watauga County investigators said the suspect, identified as the son of the homeowners, then shot and killed himself.
Ward grew up in the Sugar Grove community of Watauga County and spent his entire career serving that community.
At his funeral, Ward was remembered by friends and family for his kindness. Donna Ward, a relative, said she was listening to her police scanner when the shooting happened.
"He was the sweetest, the kindest," Ward said. "I'm on my knees praying every morning for these people. I pray for everybody, but, these officers, they have a tough job."
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