KNIGHTDALE — A police officer was killed and others were seriously injured early Sunday morning in a crash on Interstate 540. 

The Knightdale Police Department said its officers were responding to a crash on the interstate when another vehicle struck the rear of a police patrol vehicle around 2:39 a.m. The crash was in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 22.

Officer Ryan Hayworth, 23, was killed. A former member of the Army, Hayworth had been with the Knightdale Police Department for three months, the police department said. 

“Ryan’s loss in an indescribable tragedy for our department and our community,” said Chief Capps in a statement. “The pain of his death felt the most by his family, friends, and those who knew him best. As we began the process of healing, we ask that you join us in a season of prayer for all of those who have been forever touched by this heartbreaking event."

Hayworth’s training officer, Cody Hagler, was taken to WakeMed for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver believed to have caused the fatal crash, as well as the driver who was pulled over on the side of the interstate with officers from the earlier crash, were both seriously injured. 

The N.C. Highway Patrol is investigating. Police say they think alcohol was a factor in the fatal crash, and charges are pending. 

The names of the other drivers have not been released. The police department said it will release details soon about Hayworth’s services. 

Interstate 540 remains closed.