Sergeant Stephen Naughton, 55, had just finished his work shift and was on Kelly Drive around 4:00 pm. Tuesday when the car went out of control, crossed the opposite lanes and went into the Schuylkill River.
The M.E. said Naughton had a heart attack and drowned in connection with the crash.
Several people jumped into the water to try and rescue Naughton. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Naughton was a 31-year veteran of the police force and worked in the Community Relations Unit.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
