The law enforcement community gathered this afternoon to commemorate a state agent who was tragically killed while performing his duty.
In January, trooper John Horton responded to a traffic stop in Rutherford County.
When his brother and fellow trooper James Horton arrived on the scene, James lost control of his patrol car.
The collision resulted in the death of John, as well as the driver who had been holding John.
The Hortons said they have been working with the Highway Patrol station in Forest Hill for more than 10 years.
The community has stood steadfastly behind the family during the tragedy, offering them a generous gift.
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Back the Blue North Carolina gave the family $92,000 which was raised through GoFundMe.
The family said this was a difficult time for them, but they are grateful to everyone who has shown their support.
“It’s a family, and they’ve treated us like family, and they’ve come together and supported us, and they came over and helped with the kids. And we just really love them all,” said Ashley Horton, John’s widow.
Ashley Horton said she and John Horton met in high school and had six children together before he died.
“We talk a lot about their father every day. He was very present in their lives and he is a bright spot every day. We miss him, but it’s nice to see and talk about all the memories our kids have of him,” Ashley said.
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Ashley said she and the children are coping with the help of grief counselors. The family said their faith supports them during this difficult time.
“We stick together and we trust that God will see us through this. And we’re just really grateful to have each other,” Horton said.
Channel 9’s Glenn Counts said he had the chance to talk to John’s brother James, who the family calls Nick.
He told Counts he was doing it one day at a time and that he wouldn’t wish on anyone what he was going through.
“I just look at it day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute. Some days are okay. Some days are not so good. But we’ll get through it,” James said.
(LOOK BELOW: ‘Hard to fathom’: Family, friends say goodbye to NC trooper)
