Two Palm Beach County Deputies Killed, Another Critically Injured in Florida Traffic Incident

Tragedy struck near Loxahatchee, Florida, when two Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office motorcycle deputies, Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, were killed in a vehicular incident, with another, Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, critically injured. The accident happened yesterday morning on Southern Boulevard, as confirmed by the Sheriff's Office to CBS News Miami. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw described the event as a "horrific accident."

The office said that the deputies were handling traffic enforcement when a woman in a 2019 Jeep SUV, while trying to pass a slower-moving vehicle, lost control and veered off the road striking the officers and "sending all three airborne in different directions," in a statement obtained by Local 10 News. The deputies were waiting for a PBSO vehicle to deliver a battery jumper at the time of the crash. Paez served the department for over 36 years, and Waller for 18 years, both remembered for their dedication and service. Diaz, who remains in critical condition, has been with PBSO since 2004.

The driver of the SUV involved in the crash, a woman in her 30s from Pennsylvania, was not believed to be impaired at the time and suffered only minor injuries. The PBSO and Florida Highway Patrol, the lead investigating agency, noted that she was driving at the speed limit. A solemn procession was held yesterday afternoon, with a large escort of law enforcement personnel, to honor the fallen deputies as their bodies were transported from the hospital to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office, "These guys were taken in their prime," one man told CBS News Miami.

"When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them," Bradshaw said in a statement obtained by Local 10. The incident has also led to a temporary closure of access to Lion Country Safari and advised drivers to seek alternate routes.

The impact of this event extends well beyond traffic reroutes, with the PBSO stating, "We are mourning the loss of our brothers who devoted their lives to serving and protecting Palm Beach County. Together, we honor their memory and support their families, friends, and colleagues during this time of immense grief. Their courage and dedication to duty will never be forgotten as we commit to continuing their legacy of service. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for D/S Diaz and his family during this incredibly difficult time." As Deputy Diaz fights for his life, the PBSO asks for thoughts and prayers for him and his family in these difficult times, as per Local 10.