ZACHARY, La. (AP) - A Louisiana sheriff’s deputy on his way to work was killed when his vehicle veered off the road, hit a tree and a bridge, before overturning.
News outlets report the wreck happened Thursday in Zachary around 6:30 a.m.
A sheriff’s spokesman says the deputy killed was 42-year-old Lt. Steven Whitstine, an eight-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. Whitstine, a member of the sheriff’s K-9 Division, also served nine years with the Baker Police Department.
A K-9 officer was in Whitstine’s vehicle at the time of the crash but authorities say he sustained only minor injuries.
Sheriff Sid Gautreaux described Whitstine as a dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed.
Whitstine is survived by his wife Elisha, who is also a sheriff’s deputy, and children.
The crash remains under investigation.
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