THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy died after a crash with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 301 in Thonotosassa, the agency said in a news release.
During a news conference Thursday morning, Sheriff Chad Chronister identified the deputy as 40-year-old Darell Brown, a nearly 10-year veteran of the agency who worked at the Orient Road Jail with the booking unit.
Chronister said Brown was on his way home to Pasco County after his shift at work and was driving along U.S. Highway 301 just south of McIntosh Road. Around 7:45 a.m. Thursday, for "unknown reasons," Chronister said Brown and the Ford F-150 he was driving drifted into oncoming traffic.
As he did, the driver of a flatbed semi-truck was driving in the oncoming lane and "did everything he could" to stop in time to avoid hitting Brown. Unfortunately, the two vehicles collided.
The force of the crash spun Brown's truck and pushed it about 100 yards down the road from the semi, which jackknifed off the road. The deputy was "instantly" killed, Chronister said.
The semi-truck driver was also hurt, but suffered non-life-threatening injuries, FHP said.
Chronister said Brown was married and had a blended family that consisted of five children, ranging from age 20 to age 5. His father also works with the sheriff's office as a crossing guard. The sheriff said he was "keeping kids safe" as he learned of his son's death.
"Our hearts break for the family, friends, and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "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," Chronister continued. "His genuine warmth, commitment, and compassionate spirit leaves a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him."
All lanes of U.S. 301 were closed for several hours but have since reopened.
Sky 10 flew over the area shortly before 9:30 a.m., showing an active scene. Dozens of first responders were pulled over along either side of U.S. 301 as the investigation was underway.
