The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of a third motorcycle deputy, Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, following a crash that also claimed the lives of Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller last Thursday. Diaz succumbed to his injuries Monday afternoon, as confirmed by the Sheriff's Office. The accident happened on Southern Boulevard near Loxahatchee, where the deputies were assisting with a motorcycle issue when they were struck by a vehicle, Local 10 News reported.
The crash was initially reported by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw as the result of an SUV driver overcorrecting while switching lanes, causing her to collide with the deputies. Dashcam footage from a passerby showed the deputies standing on the shoulder before the incident, according to NBC Miami. While the driver of the SUV is not currently facing charges, investigations by the Florida Highway Patrol, and assistance from the Sheriff’s Office are ongoing.
Diaz had been with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) since 2004, while Paez dedicated over 36 years and Waller over 18 years to the service, with all three part of President-elect Donald Trump's escort detail. The PBSO expressed its grief in a post, emphasizing the deputies' dedication to protecting Palm Beach County. "To serve and protect was their oath—honoring them is our duty," NBC Miami quoted from the post.
The impact of the crash extends to the Palm Beach community, where vigils were held for the fallen deputies, and a fund has been established by the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association to support the families. Attorney Edward Kone, who worked alongside the trio, described them as "salt-of-the-earth public servants" in an interview with Local 10 News. Amidst the collective sorrow, the sheriff emphasized that such losses resonate deeply within the community: "When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them," according to a statement obtained by Hoodline.
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the crash, while the community and sheriff's office cope with the loss of three of their own. Those wishing to offer support can find donation details through the Police Benevolent Association's initiative.
