Southern Pines officer killed in crash

Officer Stanley L. Klingenschmidt was leading a group of motorcycle riders in a benefit motorcycle ride to raise funds for the Special Olympics of North Carolina. They departed the Pinehurst Police Department at about 10 a.m. Saturday and were riding through Montgomery County when Klingenschmidt crashed, fellow officers said. He died a short time later from his injuries.

"Each of us at the Southern Pines Police Department not only grieves at the passing of a tremendous individual but also for the loss his family suffers," Southern Pines Police Chief Robert Temme said in a statement.

Klingenschmidt was married for 35 years with two sons and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.

"The Southern Pines Police Department, the Town of Southern Pines, along with the Klingenschmidt family would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have offered support during this tragic and difficult time," Temme said.