Virginia State Police, Virginia
End of Watch: Sunday, January 31, 1954
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 1 month
Badge Number: 495
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: January 31, 1954
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Charged with involuntary manslaughter
Trooper Robert Loder was killed in an automobile crash while pursing another vehicle on Route 1, in Ashland, at approximately 4:00 pm.
Another vehicle entered the highway from a side road, causing Trooper Loder to swerve. His vehicle overturned several times and he was ejected. He was transported to the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle that pulled in front of him was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Trooper Loder had served with the Virginia State Police for only 27 days. He was a veteran of the Korean War and recipient of three Bronze Stars. He was survived by his wife and parents.