Trucker did “everything he could” to avoid fatal crash with wrong way deputy, Sheriff says

An officer is dead after drifting into the path of an oncoming flatbed semi truck in Florida on Thursday. 

The accident happened on the morning of September 19th in Thonotosassa, Florida. 

According to 10 WTSP, 40-year-old Darell Brown was on his way home from his position on the booking unit of the Orient Road Jail when he drifted on US Highway 301 south of McIntosh Road. Brown then drifted into oncoming traffic for “unknown reasons” and collided head on with a flatbed tractor trailer. 

Sheriff Chad Chronister says that the trucker “did everything he could” to avoid hitting Brown’s F150, but the two vehicles collided anyway, killing Brown “instantly.”

The force of the crash pushed Brown’s pickup about 100 yards down the road as the semi truck jacknifed. The truck driver was also hurt in the crash, but sustained injuries that were non life threatening. 

“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 US 301 were shut down for several hours for cleanup of the incident. The lanes have since been reopened.