Tributes as senior officer found dead
Thousands raised for PTSD charity as family reveal dad ‘carried burden’ of time in forces before death on Christmas Eve:
A POLICE detective and father-of-three died on Christmas Eve, police have confirmed.
South Wales Police confirmed that Detective Inspector Terry Hopkins died on December 24, aged 40.
DI Hopkins, a former soldier, was married and had three children.
His family has already raised more than £7,000 for the charity PTSD Resolution, which helps UK Forces’ veterans and their families
The page says it was set up by “Terry’s Army” and contains a tribute from DI Hopkins’ son Oliver.
Oliver explains that his father joined the 9/12th Royal Lancers at the age of 16 before joining the police where he progressed to become a negotiator.
He says his father had become “very unwell, suffering with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)” and died on December 24.
In the post, Oliver wrote: “My Dad loved his job, but behind the smiles he was carrying a burden of the sights he had seen and the events he witnessed, and became very unwell, suffering with PTSD, and we lost him on Christmas Eve 2018.
“My Dad had taken me to visit amazing places such as Paris, Rome and Krakow and would always have a story to tell.
“He had lived a com- plete life visiting the places he wanted to visit and fathering not only me but two twin girls as well.
“Through all this though he was a great supporter of the Armed Forces and the Army and was very grateful that he’d experienced the walk of the Somme, the camps in Auschwitz and would tell the stories of both World Wars to an- yone who would listen.
“The recent loss of him has affected us all and has put into perspective what someone goes through mentally after leaving or being in any Armed Forces.
“I do not want my Dad’s death to be in vain, nor do I want the bad to be remembered.
“Only the positive. So, can you help me, help them that are suffering?
“Three out of 100 soldiers will suffer and show signs of PTSD in their life so let’s help raise money to stop this silent killer.
“My Dad was a good man who affected everyone he met in a positive way.
“Along with this, he was also a MASSIVE Marvel fan in particular Thor Ragnarok. So to justify him and all he did in a Marvel quote I’ll say this – ‘That’s what heroes do’ (Thor, 2017).”
The page, raising funds for PTSD Resolution, had more than doubled its initial target of £3,500 by Sunday.
South Wales Police said DI Hopkins was stationed at Barry CID and had previously worked in Cardiff and Pontypridd.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Parfitt, divisional commander for Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan, said: “Terry was a fantastic detective – hard working and enthusiastic and a great ambassador for the communities of South Wales that he served.
“Terry was a hugely-respected member of my team and everyone is totally shocked and devastated to hear of his death. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
On Christmas Day, South Wales Police Chief Constable Matt Jukes wrote on Twitter: “This year South Wales Police have lost a much valued officer and friend to many.
“Same sense of profound shock in all messages you wish they could have read.
“At this heartbreaking time my thoughts are with his family and friends.”
On December 26, the national chairman of the Police Federation John Apter wrote on Twitter: “Devastating to hear of another tragic loss for the police family over Christmas.
“When one of our own falls we all take a tumble.”
A number of other officers have taken to social media to pay tribute to DI Hopkins.
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Evans said: “I have been broken by this since hearing the news. I cannot contemplate how his family feels.
“Terry was one of my DI’s and South Wales is a far worse place for his passing.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/terrys-army