Fallen Hero: Remembering Officer Phylicia Carson’s Ultimate Sacrifice
A wave of grief has swept through the community following the tragic loss of Officer Phylicia Carson, a dedicated public servant and mother of six, who died in the line of duty while serving with the Osage Beach Police Department.
The devastating event unfolded in Camden County, near Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, turning what should have been a routine traffic stop into a fatal pursuit—raising difficult questions about the events that led to such a heartbreaking outcome.
Officer Carson, known for her unwavering commitment to her family and her profession, was on patrol the morning of August 31, 2024, when she noticed a vehicle speeding on a rural stretch of highway. Following department protocol, she initiated a traffic stop by activating her emergency lights.
Instead of pulling over, the driver sped away, initiating a high-speed chase that would ultimately end in tragedy.
According to Police Chief Todd Davis, Officer Carson continued pursuit, staying in close proximity to the suspect. During the chase, her patrol vehicle lost control, veered off the roadway, struck a tree, and erupted in flames. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite their best efforts, Officer Carson was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Davis issued a public statement urging the community to rally behind the Carson family and police department during this time of profound sorrow.
The fleeing driver, identified as 23-year-old Christopher Aaron Bishop Wehmeyer, also crashed shortly after along State Highway A. He was immediately apprehended and now faces serious criminal charges. Authorities have confirmed he is being held without bond in the Camden County Jail and is charged with aggravated fleeing that resulted in a fatality—an offense reflecting the enormity of the loss endured by Officer Carson’s family and colleagues.
Camden County Prosecuting Attorney Richelle Grosvenor assured the public that her office will vigorously pursue justice. “We will leave no detail unchecked. This case is of the highest importance, and we are committed to seeing it through with integrity and resolve,” she stated.
Tributes began pouring in from across the state, including one from the Missouri State Highway Patrol: “On behalf of Colonel Eric T. Olson and the entire department, we express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Officer Phylicia Carson. Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Officer Carson’s death has deeply affected not only her immediate family—her husband and six children—but also her colleagues and the entire community she served. Her passing is a stark and painful reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day when they put on the badge. In the days following her death, an outpouring of support from citizens, civic leaders, and fellow officers has been a testament to the deep respect she commanded.
As legal proceedings move forward, those closest to Officer Carson are left to navigate unimaginable grief. Her dedication, bravery, and compassion will forever be remembered by those who knew and worked alongside her. She is survived by a family who loved her fiercely and a department proud to have called her one of their own.
Officer Phylicia Carson’s legacy is now one of service, strength, and sacrifice. As the community comes together to mourn her loss and celebrate her life, her memory stands as a powerful symbol of commitment to public safety. In honoring her, the community also commits to ensuring her sacrifice is never forgotten.