An emotional exchange between a father and a North Carolina state trooper was caught on camera and has since been shared on social media.
The powerful moment happened in March, but was only shared online in recent weeks after the man in the photo died.
Dr. Ashlye V. Wilkerson, of Columbia, South Carolina, had been driving with her father Deacon Anthony Geddis on their way back from Durham when Wilkerson spotted police lights in her mirror.
In an account she shared on her Facebook, Wilkerson admitted to the officer she was at fault and provided the necessary documents.
“As you always did, you quickly jumped in to my defense. Your voice was low as you were still a little weak from treatment. You shared with him that I was your baby girl and we were returning to SC from your cancer treatments in NC. The officer nodded and went back to the car.”
Geddis had stage 4 colon cancer.
Trooper Jaret Doty acknowledged the family’s hardship and returned to his vehicle.
“At that time I knew there is no way I’m writing this lady a ticket,” Doty told WSOC-TV. “I had to sit in (my car) for a while just to compose myself to figure out what to say when I went back.”
He returned to their car and shared that he too dealt with cancer in his family, then he did something unexpected.
“While speaking with Mr. Geddis, Doty offered words of support and encouragement, but felt compelled to do more,” North Carolina State Highway Patrol shared.
“Trooper Doty offered to pray with Mr. Geddis, and both men joined hands and paused for prayer on the roadside.”
While the two men prayed, someone snapped a photo.
Trooper Doty, who has been on the force for 22 years, said while he prays in private, he has never prayed with anyone he has encountered.
There was just something about Geddis that compelled Doty to reach out to him.
Unfortunately on May 22, Geddis died, two months after his encounter with Trooper Doty.
One week after his death Geddis’ daughter shared a tribute to her father while also thanking Trooper Doty for praying alongside her father that day.
“I’m so grateful for your love, guidance, and example. Heartfelt thanks to this officer who prayed for and with you that day,” she wrote.
Rest in peace
Wilkerson and Doty have since reunited since Geddis’ passing.
“Had they left that Duke Medical Center five minutes earlier or five minutes later, I may not have been on the interstate,” Doty said. “If somebody would’ve been speeding before them, I would’ve stopped them. It’s just God works in mysterious ways.”
I believe God works in mysterious ways. These people were put in such a position to meet each other, and I’m glad they did.
May Anthony Geddis rest in peace.
