Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips recently tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Per WUKY, Phillips was performing what began as a routine traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Warren County. The reason for the stop was that the vehicle allegedly driven by a Tennessee man named Emonnie Branch had expired temporary tags. According to the outlet, he "allegedly shot Phillips twice before driving away." Branch was later arrested and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, October 27.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Hayden Phillips' 29th birthday would have been two days after he was slain.
Billy Ray Cyrus Movingly Honored Phillips in Song
Cyrus, 65, a Flatwoods, Kentucky, native, fittingly sang "Some Gave All" at Trooper Hayden Phillips' funeral on Sunday, October 4, It was held at Western Kentucky University in E.A. Diddle Arena. In fact, the poignant song was on Cyrus' debut studio album with that same title in 1992.
The track, penned by Cyrus and his ex-wife Cindy, was a tribute to service members who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom and democracy. It was therefore highly apt for the sad and respectful farewell for Trooper Phillips.
Its patriotic lyrics include lines like "All gave some / And some gave all / And some stood through for the red, white, and blue / And some had to fall / And if you ever think of me / Think of all your liberties, and recall / Some gave all...."
The "Achy Breaky Heart" Singer Was Deeply Touched by the Invitation To Sing
Cyrus wrote an emotional message on Instagram about being asked to perform the song at Trooper Phillips' funeral. He noted, "Had the highest honor ever in my entire life returning to my home state of Kentucky yesterday to pay tribute to Trooper Hayden Phillips ... Unit 369... and sing Some Gave All. This moment happened before the service as I met his wife Jordan and their son Knox. Jordan was telling me in that moment that Merle Haggard was Hayden's absolute favorite. She went on to tell me about his tattoo .... 'Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.'"
A sweet snap shows Billy Ray Cyrus with a little boy, presumably Trooper Phillips' son. He will never forget that moment, just like Cyrus won't either.
