(FL) 2 Florida deputies killed, 1 injured in major crash

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Two Palm Beach County deputies were killed and a third was badly injured in a major crash near Loxahatchee on Thursday.

The crash happened Thursday morning on Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road near Lion Country Safari, according to reports from NBC affiliate WPTV. ‘I think of life so differently’: Clearwater detective thanks fire medics who saved him

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said all three deputies were riding their department-issued motorcycles when one of them appeared to have an issue with his bike and they all pulled over to the shoulder.

A woman was driving a SUV down Southern Boulevard around that same time. After coming upon a vehicle that was driving slower than her, Bradshaw said the woman veered toward the shoulder to pass, but “overcompensated” and struck all three deputies.

The force from the collision sent all three deputies “airborne,” the sheriff said. EMS quickly arrived on scene and the deputies were taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Crews at the scene reported that at least a dozen law enforcement vehicles were at the site of the crash, and at least one deputy was put on board a medical helicopter.

A helicopter flying over the area captured video of the crash site. Three crushed motorcycles and a badly damaged SUV could be seen from above.

Two of the three deputies were pronounced dead at the hospital. They were later identified as Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller.

“They worked on them for as long as they could there,” Bradshaw said. “They were just injured so badly, they weren’t going to make it.”

The third deputy, identified as Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, went into surgery, and as of Thursday afternoon, was in critical but stable condition in the ICU. “Hopefully he is going to make it,” Bradshaw said during the press conference.

Officials said the deputies were a part of the PBSO’s traffic division, which frequently has three deputies patrolling together.

Paez dedicated over 36 years of his life to law enforcement. He began his career at PBSO in January 1998 as a Corrections Deputy before moving to Road Patrol and ultimately serving as a motor deputy for more than 20 years.

Waller served with distinction for over 18 years in the agency’s motor unit, having started his career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it merged with PBSO in October 2008.

Diaz joined the sheriff’s office in 2004 and has been with their motor unit for over 10 years.

The sheriff’s office has since received several calls from fellow law enforcement and men and women across Florida saying they’re “so sorry this happened,” said Bradshaw, who called the crash “horrific.”

“When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them,” the sheriff added.

A procession for the fallen deputies began around 2 p.m. A motorcycle escort led the way as the deputies’ bodies were taken from St. Mary’s Medical Center to the Palm Beah County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries from the collision, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said she did not appear to be impaired, and as of Thursday afternoon, no charges had been filed.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said Southern Boulevard was closed to traffic due to the crash. The entrance to the nearby Lion Country Safari was also blocked. However, all east and westbound lanes eventually reopened just before 1:30 p.m.

No further information was immediately available.

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11/25/2024

PBSO - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our third motorman, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, at 12:42 pm today. Despite his courageous fight, Deputy Diaz lost the battle due to the injuries sustained by the tragic crash that also claimed the lives of Cpl. Luis Paez and D/S Butch Waller. Once again, we find ourselves mourning the loss of another hero who dedicated his life to serving and protecting Palm Beach County.

We stand together, honoring their memory and supporting their families, friends, and colleagues through this time of immense sorrow. Let us remember their courage and commitment to duty as we pledge to continue their legacy of service. To serve and protect was their oath—honoring them is our duty. #PBSOFallen

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