The death of the Middlesex correction officer involved in an early-morning single-car crash in Billerica on Wednesday has been ruled a suicide by the chief medical examiner, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety.
Edward “Teddy” Dillon III, 27, of Lowell was working the midnight to 8 a.m. shift at the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica when the crash occurred. An autopsy revealed that Dillon died of a gunshot wound to the head, Terrel Harris, a spokesman for the public safety office, said Friday.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Officer Dillon’s family, friends, and colleagues. Officer Dillon’s passing is heartbreaking to all those who knew him as a beloved family member, dear friend, and highly regarded correction officer,” Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said in a prepared statement.
“We will remember him for the joy he brought to family and friends and for the exemplary way he carried out his professional responsibilities.”
A 2002 graduate of Dracut High School, Dillon also graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice, said the Middlesex sheriff’s office. He joined the office in 2008 and was a member of the 34th basic training academy class, the sheriff’s office said.
Dillon’s duties as a correction officer included conducting routine perimeter checks of the facility and other sheriff’s department property, the sheriff’s office said in a statement on Wednesday. The office would not elaborate further.
Dillon was involved in a single-car crash at 3:07 a.m. Wednesday on Treble Cove Road, said State Police spokesman David Procopio on Wednesday.
Authorities have released few details about the crash and did not reveal until Friday that Dillon suffered a gunshot wound. The Middlesex sheriff’s office would not comment further on the investigation. The Middlesex district attorney’s office said it does not comment on suicides.
Members of Dillon’s family declined to comment Friday evening.
The case is under investigation by State Police.