Community Invited to Honor Fallen Deputy Ryan Terpsma

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Family, friends and members of the law enforcement community will gather Saturday, Nov. 14, in Bellingham to honor the life of fallen Deputy Ryan Terpsma. Terpsma is a Whatcom County native who died in the line of duty while serving in Montana.

The 28-year-old Terpsma, a Squalicum High School graduate, served with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Montana. He died Oct. 30 after responding to a disturbance call in Eureka, Montana, where gunfire killed him and wounded two others.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office announced that a public Celebration of Life service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Christ the King Community Church, 4173 Meridian St. in Bellingham.

“Our thoughts are with Deputy Terpsma’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who are mourning his loss.”

— Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

A procession will precede the service. The Sheriff’s Office has not provided additional details about the procession route or timing.

Christ the King Bellingham will provide a livestream of the service beginning at 1 p.m. for those unable to attend in person.

In The Line of Duty

Terpsma responded to the disturbance at approximately 8:23 p.m. Oct. 30, accompanied by a Eureka police officer. The initial investigation determined that a single suspect shot both officers at the scene.

“It has been trying times in Lincoln County during the last year. We are all deeply affected by the loss of Deputy Terpsma but know we can count on our community to support the Sheriff’s Office and each other as we grieve the loss of this fine young man.”

— Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short

Investigators also discovered that 46-year-old Merrisa Walker died from gunshot wounds at the scene. A juvenile girl suffered injuries but received treatment and was released.

The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association has established the Deputy Ryan Terpsma Memorial Fund to support his family with funeral expenses and other costs associated with his death. Organizers say 100% of tax-deductible donations will go toward those expenses.

Suspect Dies in Custody Days Later

Authorities identified the suspect as 50-year-old Matthew David Dye of Kalispell, which was the direction he was headed when deputies later apprehended him following a pursuit. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office reported that Dye fired at pursuing deputies, disabling two patrol vehicles, before surrendering at a roadblock on Highway 93.

The Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation took the lead on the investigation at the request of Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short.

Later, Dye experienced an apparent medical emergency inside his cell at the Missoula County Detention Facility on the evening of Nov. 4, according to the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.

Detention medical staff assessed Dye and requested an ambulance. He became unresponsive during transport to the hospital, where medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures. Dye was pronounced dead at Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

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