Hillsborough County deputy killed in crash on U.S. 301

Deputy killed in near head-on crash

Aaron Mesmer reports

THONOTOSASSA, Fla. - The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its deputies following a deadly crash in Thonotosassa on Thursday morning.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said Detention Deputy Darell Brown, 40, was killed while driving home from an overnight shift in the booking facility at the Orient Road Jail.

Deputy killed in Hillsborough County crash press conference

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister gives an update on a deputy who was killed in a nearly head-on crash while driving home from work on Thursday morning.

According to Chronister, Brown was driving north on U.S. 301, just south of Franklin Road, when he crossed into the southbound lane of traffic and struck a tractor-trailer nearly head-on.

The sheriff added that skid marks on the road make it look like the driver of the tractor-trailer tried to stop and even ended up jack-knifing the vehicle, but the two collided shortly before 8 a.m.

Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Troopers say Brown died at the scene.

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Chronister described Brown as a great employee who worked for the sheriff’s office for 10 years and his father is a crossing guard with the agency.

Detention Deputy Darell Brown was killed Thursday morning in a near head-on crash, according to HCSO. Image is courtesy of HCSO.

Brown is a married father of five with children ranging in age from 5 to 20 years old.

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"Our hearts break for the family, friends, and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This tragedy comes at an incredibly difficult time, as our Sheriff's Office still grieves the loss of Deputy White. I humbly ask the community to pray for all those impacted by these painful losses. Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many. His genuine warmth, commitment, and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him."