Two deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office were killed, and a third remains in critical condition, following a devastating crash on Southern Boulevard in Palm Beach County, Florida, on Thursday morning.
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The incident involved three motorcycle deputies who were conducting traffic enforcement at the time, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw stated. One deputy experienced issues starting his motorcycle and called two others for assistance in moving the bike off the road.
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The deputies had relocated to a grassy area off the road when a woman driving eastbound in the center lane attempted to pass another vehicle. She reportedly overcompensated and struck all three deputies.
“All three went airborne in different directions,” Bradshaw explained during a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
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Tragic Loss of Lives
The deputies were rushed to a nearby hospital, where two were pronounced dead. They were identified as:
- Cpl. Luis Paez, a motor deputy with over 20 years of service, who joined the department in 1988.
- Deputy Sheriff Ralph ‘Butch’ Waller, who had served on the motor unit for more than 18 years.
The third deputy, Ignacio ‘Dan’ Diaz, underwent surgery and is in critical but stable condition. Diaz has been with the sheriff’s office since 2004 and part of the motor unit for over a decade.
“Hopefully, he’s going to make it,” Bradshaw said. “But it’s a bad crash.”
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Investigation Underway
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is working alongside the Florida Highway Patrol to investigate the crash. Sheriff Bradshaw confirmed that the female driver suffered minor injuries and that there is no indication of impairment based on the initial investigation. However, authorities have not determined her speed at the time of the crash, and no criminal charges have been filed.
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Community Mourning
A somber procession of law enforcement officers from across South Florida escorted the bodies of the fallen deputies from the hospital to the county medical examiner’s office.
Sheriff Bradshaw reflected on the dangers faced by law enforcement officers:
“I tell people all the time, you know, law enforcement, public safety, and the military are the only professions where you leave the house and kiss your family goodbye, and it might be the last time. And here’s the example of it.”
He added, “When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them. It’s tough.”
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Tributes and Statements
Florida Senator Rick Scott expressed his condolences, saying, “Our brave men and women in uniform willingly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, but devastating news like this never ceases to catch us off guard.”
The sheriff also noted that the deputies involved had previously participated in former President Donald Trump’s police escort on election night, highlighting their dedication to public service.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the entire South Florida community are mourning this profound loss as investigations into the tragic accident continue.
