Trooper William Joseph Starling

William Joseph Starling

Master Trooper William Starling was killed in a single-car crash on rural road 1717 in Wilkes County.

It is speculated that Trooper Starling was initiating a traffic stop because his vehicle, a 1997 Crown Victoria, had its 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 North Carolina Highway Patrol 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.