An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita on Monday afternoon. According to the KTLA report, the accident occurred at approximately 3:17 p.m. on San Francisquito Canyon Road, south of Dry Gulch Road. The deputy, a 21-year-old who had been with the department for a little over a year, was airlifted to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The California Highway Patrol revealed that upon arrival, officers found three vehicles with major damage and multiple injured parties. Information shared by FOX 11 noted that the deputy had just completed a double shift at North County Correctional Facility and was heading home when the collision took place. The collision led to non-life-threatening injuries for three other individuals involved in the incident. Sheriff Robert Luna, heartbroken by the event, described the incident as “tragic anyway you put it” and lauded the young deputy for providing excellent service.
A statement obtained by ABC7 included remarks from Sheriff Luna, who said, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our own, who was taken from us far too soon." A procession of deputies gathered at the hospital to honor the fallen officer, forming a miles-long cavalcade that moved solemnly down the freeway toward the coroner's office in Lincoln Heights.
The cause of the crash continues to remain under investigation, and officials have yet to release the name of the young deputy as efforts to notify his large family persist. They had hoped to allow time to thoroughly notify all family members before making a public announcement. CBS News documented the heartfelt statement from CHP Captain E. A. Krusey, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of this deputy, our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department during this incredibly difficult time. We honor his service and commitment to our community.”
