Trooper William J. Starling
North Carolina Highway Patrol
North Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, July 20, 1998
Cause: Automobile accident

Biographical Info
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: Not available

Master Trooper Starling was killed in a single car accident on a rural road in Wilkes County. It is speculated that Trooper Starling was initiating a traffic strop because his vehicle, a 1997 Crown Victoria, had it's wigwag lights activated. Trooper Starling lost control of the vehicle upon entering a sharp left turn, at which point it overturned and ran down a 10-foot embankment.

Master Trooper Starling had served with the agency for 13 years. He is survived by his fiancée, daughter, and two sons. In 2005 a bridge on US 421 in Wilkesboro was named in his honor.