Policeman McCloskey was killed in an automobile accident during a vehicle pursuit. The car he was riding in collided with another car at Wissahickon Avenue and Queen Lane and then struck a utility pole. Policeman McCloskey was thrown from the vehicle and sustained fatal head injuries. Another officer and five bystanders were injured.
Policeman McCloskey had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his four children.