Published: September 01, 2008 11:03 pm      

Funeral arrangements set for APD officer, wife

Ashland — Funeral arrangements have been made for Ashland Police Department Sgt. Charles E. “Chuck” Leadingham Jr. and his wife, Denise Leadingham, who were killed when their motorcycle wrecked on I-77 near Marietta, Ohio, on Saturday.

Joint visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Unity Baptist Church, 2320 29th St. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, also at the church.

Burial details were not complete.

Chuck Leadingham, 44, was a nearly 20-year APD veteran, beginning as a public safety officer before advancing through the ranks to become a sergeant and field supervisor. He was also active in youth league sports in Ashland. Denise Leadingham, 42, was an employee at the Federal Correctional Institute in Summit.

A daughter and a son survive the couple.

The Leadingham families and the APD appreciate the support from throughout the Tri-State they have received during the last two days, said APD Capt. Todd Kelley.

“Many of us here have been going about our jobs with heavy hearts,” Kelley said. “I know the family is thankful for how everybody has reached out as well.”

The accident occurred about 3:30 p.m. near mile marker 8 on I-77 in Washington County, Ohio, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd McDonald.

The couple were traveling southbound when they lost control and crashed. McDonald said the rear tire of the motorcycle appeared to have blown out. He said the motorcycle slid off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, ejecting the couple from the motorcycle. They were both wearing helmets.

The Salem and Devola Volunteer Emergency Squad and Fire Departments responded to the scene, as did a passing motorist who was a certified EMT, McDonald said. The couple were taken to Marietta Memorial Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the accident, McDonald said, adding the investigation is ongoing.