HOUSTON (AP) — A deputy who was a 20-year-veteran of a Houston-area sheriff’s office died Tuesday after being hit by a truck while trying to help a driver following a minor crash, according to officials.
John Coddou had pulled over to help following the crash at 9:30 a.m. northwest of Houston, said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
A white Chevy truck that was traveling on the roadway swerved to avoid Coddou’s vehicle and veered onto the median, where Coddou was helping with the minor crash.
Coddou tried to avoid the truck but he was hit, Gonzalez.
He was flown by helicopter to a Houston hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Gonzalez said.
“Our hearts are broken, our spirits are crushed,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a sad day in Harris County as we mourn the loss of one of our deputies that died in the line of duty.”
The driver of the truck remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators, Gonzalez said.
PHOTOS: At the Pet Gala, fashion goes to the dogs
Senior Chinese diplomat meets delegation of Brazilian Workers' Party
Landmark loss and damage fund approved as UN climate conference closes in Egypt
Global trade to rebound by 2.6 pct in 2024: WTO report
Spain withdraws its ambassador to Argentina over comments made by President Milei
Xinhua Special: Fresh Look into President Xi's 2024 New Year Message
World Insights: NATO's meddling in Asia
Xi, Biden Exchange Congratulations on 45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
UN chief to meet Ukrainian president in Kyiv
Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
UN Security Council voices concern over killing of World Central Kitchen staff in Gaza