THONOTOSASSA, Fla. – A tragic accident on US-301 has resulted in the death of an off-duty Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy and the closure of the highway for an extended period.
The collision occurred just south of Franklin Road when a northbound Ford F150, driven by the 40-year-old deputy, veered into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with a flatbed tractor-trailer. The impact caused both vehicles to rotate and come to rest on the west shoulder.
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Sadly, the deputy succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 32-year-old Orlando man, was uninjured.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Authorities are urging motorists to seek alternate routes as US-301 will be closed for a significant amount of time due to extensive damage to the roadway.
“Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a deputy after a fatal traffic accident this morning on U.S. Highway 301 North in Thonotosassa. Sheriff Chad Chronister is on scene and will provide an update when possible,” said HCSO in a social statement.
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“Our hearts are with our law enforcement partners at Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, as a deputy lost his life in a traffic crash this morning. I am on scene and Sheriff Chad Chronister will be providing updates momentarily. Please say prayers for this deputy’s family,” said Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
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