Cornelius Police Officer Remembered After Fatal Bicycle Crash in Concord

Concord, North Carolina — September 20, 2025 — According to Queen City News, family, friends, and fellow officers gathered to honor the life of Cornelius Police Officer Gabriel Stainback, who died after being struck while riding his bicycle. He was 26 years old.

Stainback, a Concord High School graduate and newlywed, had just begun his career in law enforcement. His colleagues described him as deeply committed to serving others. “Becoming a police officer honestly made him so happy,” said his former college roommate, Bryce Foreman. “It was fulfilling in every way.”

The accident happened last Saturday, when troopers said an SUV driver unintentionally hit Stainback as he rode with his wife. The tragedy has left both the community and his department grieving.

Cornelius Deputy Chief Jennifer Thompson spoke to the profound loss, noting the deep bond among law enforcement. “When a brother or sister in this profession is taken from us, we all feel it,” she said.

Stainback was set to be appointed as a middle school resource officer, a role his department believed would have allowed him to make a lasting difference with young people. “We were really looking forward to that and hate that he never got the opportunity,” Thompson added.

At his funeral, a sea of blue lights honored his service as his fellow officers carried him home. “He will be remembered as someone who made a tremendous impact in a short amount of time,” Thompson said. “Gone far too soon, but never forgotten.”

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.