ASHLAND — An Ashland police officer and his wife were killed Saturday in a motorcycle accident in eastern Ohio.

Ashland Police Department Sgt. Charles “Chuck” E. Leadingham Jr., 44, and Denise Leadingham, 42, were killed when their motorcycle crashed on I-77 near Marietta, Ohio.

Chuck Leadingham was a nearly 20-year veteran of the APD, beginning as a Public Safety Officer before advancing through the ranks to become a sergeant and field supervisor, according to Chief Rob Ratliff.

Denise Leadingham was an employee at Federal Correctional Institute in Summit. The couple are survived by a daughter and a son.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd McDonald, the accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. near mile marker eight on I-77 in Washington County, Ohio.

The couple were traveling southbound when they lost control and crashed. McDonald said the rear tire of the motorcycle appeared to have blown out. He said the motorcycle slid off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, ejecting the couple from the motorcycle.

The Salem and Devola Volunteer Emergency Squad and Fire Departments responded to the scene as did a passing motorist who was a certified EMT, McDonald said. The couple were taken to Marietta Memorial Hospital where they were later pronounced dead.

Neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash, McDonald said, adding the investigation is ongoing. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed.

News of the couple’s death spread quickly in Ashland on Saturday shaking not just the APD and city employees, but the entire community. Calls seeking information poured into The Independent and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post in Marietta.

McDonald said a large number of family and friends drove the three hours to the hospital to retrieve the couple’s belongings and comfort family members.

“He was a good police officer, a good supervisor and good in the community with everything he was involved in,” Ratliff said.

Leadingham was a volunteer with the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department and worked at the Boyd County Detention Center before joining the APD. He was also well known in the community for his involvement with youth sports, according to Ratliff.

“Its been tough on everyone so far,” Ratliff said, “It’s never easy, and when it’s so sudden it’s even more devastating.”

He said the department is focusing on caring for the family right now.

“Its a very emotional time,” said APD Capt. Todd Kelley, “We’re one big family and losing one person — along with a family member — you take it very personal... we’re very heavy hearted.”

Kelley said the department has received an outpouring of support from all the law enforcement agencies throughout the region.

“Really and truly the entire Tri-State is who I’ve gotten a call from,” he said. “It has been very appreciated.”

McDonald said his agency has also been touched by the tragedy and offered its condolences as well.

“It’s bad when it’s a regular person but its even harder when it’s another officer. We understand what it’s like to lose an officer in the department so our hearts are with you guys,” he said.

CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reached at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.