Officials told that a multi-vehicle collision in Santa Clarita on Monday afternoon claimed the life of a 21-year-old off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy and injured several others.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred on San Francisquito Canyon Road, south of Dry Gulch Road, around 3:17 p.m.
When officers arrived, they discovered three seriously damaged cars and what were only identified as “multiple injured parties.”
“One of the involved parties, an off-duty deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries,” according to CHP’s release.
A statement was made by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna to the media on Monday evening outside of Henry Mayo Hospital, confirming that the deputy had passed away.
Sheriff Luna was heard saying in a video that was distributed by a local radio station, “Unfortunately, we lost one of our very young deputies in an off-duty traffic collision earlier today. He was transported to this hospital where, unfortunately, he fought valiantly, but lost his life.” the statement read.
Luna explained that they are not immediately revealing the name of the deputy because, despite the fact that there are members of the deputy’s family present at the hospital, “he’s got a very large family,” and the authorities had not yet been able to get in touch with all of them.
The deputy, who was only 21 years old, had been working for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for a single year.
“It’s tragic anyway you put it,” Luna stated. “Incredible young man, we are so fortunate to have hired him, and he was providing excellent service here in the community on and off duty.”
According to the California Highway Patrol, the other injured patients were taken to the same hospital as the deputy by ambulance; however, the department did not immediately release any information regarding their present conditions.
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Currently, the investigation into what caused the crash is still ongoing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this deputy, our thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during this incredibly difficult time,”Captain E. A. Krusey with CHP stated. “We honor his service and commitment to our community.”
