Family, Friends Remember Officer Chad Peery Who Died Following Crash

Oklahoma City Police Officer Chad Peery has died. He was severely injured in a rollover crash on Sunday with his four children and a nurse.

Officer Peery was a proud father of four. The community rallied behind him after he was partially paralyzed two years ago. He'd even gone back to work at the Oklahoma City Police Department.

4/15/2013 Related Story: Accident Report Released In Crash That Killed OKC Police Officer

Family, friends and everyone in law enforcement are remembering his life. He was a hero to many.

"I think of resilience, a warrior that's fought through a tremendous amount of adversity," Fraternal Order of Police President John George said.

Officer Chad Peery spent the past two years defying the odds after being assaulted outside an Oklahoma City bar in February 2011. He was off-duty that night and was beaten by a group of men.

The attack left him with a broken neck, but his unwavering optimism kept him moving forward.

"He always had a smile on his face," said George. "He kept pushing on and kept overcoming every obstacle they put in front of him."

He went back to work as an officer, doing criminal intelligence. But Sunday, a crash in Seminole County brought more tragedy to his family.

A blowout caused their van to spin out of control and roll down into an embankment. Peery and three of his children were thrown the van. They were airlifted to the hospital.

Just after noon Monday, Chad Peery died from his injuries, heartbreaking news for everyone who knew him.

He was a beloved officer who leaves behind a legacy.

Officer Peery's four children are all listed in stable condition at OU Medical Center. We're told the driver, a health care nurse, was the only one wearing seatbelt.

Chad Peery was 36.