Hershal M. Wyatt
Agency: Kansas City Police Department, MO
On February 3rd, 1923, Officer Hershal M. Wyatt was riding south on Prospect Street. As he approached 12th Street, a streetcar crossed into his path. Officer Wyatt attempted to swerve but his motorcycle skidded and crashed into the street car. Officer Wyatt managed to grab the beams of the car, and was being dragged along but lost his grip and was crushed beneath the wheels before the streetcar came to a stop. A passing ambulance stopped and the attendants immediately attempted to provide Officer Wyatt assistance but were unable to save him.
As a result of many robberies the police department assigned officers on motorcycles to accompany the vehicles that were delivering payrolls. Officer Wyatt just finished a trip guarding the H.P. Wright Investment Company payroll and was headed his motorcycle to his next assignment for the Continental National Bank. Riding south on Prospect as we know from a witness’s statement, he was riding at an “ordinary speed” at the time of the accident.
Officer Wyatt's funeral was held at the house of his parents, Milton and Mary Wyatt. Thirty-three officers were delegated to the funeral as an honor guard including his partner, Officer O.B. Flaherty, who served as one of the pallbearers.
Officer Wyatt was 23 at the time of his death and was survived by his wife, Allie Wyatt, and their daughter.
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