This browser does not support the Video element.
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.
This browser does not support the Video element.
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.
READ: Missing Plant City teen found in South Florida with ‘predator’ she met online: Investigators
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.
READ: Julio Foolio murder: Death penalty may be on table for suspects accused of killing Florida rapper
"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."
Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 32-year-old man from Orlando, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputy Brown was off-duty driving his personal vehicle at the time of the crash, according to HCSO.
A portion of U.S. 301 was closed for several hours due to damage to the roadway surface. It has since reopened.
The crash is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
- Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
- Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
- Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter
This browser does not support the Video element.