A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy tragically died after his pickup truck drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with a semi-truck on September 19th in Thonotosassa, Florida.

The details: Deputy Darell Brown, 40, was driving home from his shift at the Orient Road Jail when his Ford F-150 veered into the path of a flatbed semi on U.S. Highway 301. The semi driver attempted to avoid the crash but was unable to, resulting in a head-on collision.

• The deputy's truck was pushed approximately 100 yards down the road and the semi jackknifed. Brown was killed instantly, according to Sheriff Chad Chronister.
• The truck driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The reaction: Sheriff Chronister expressed his condolences, noting that "Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many."

Brown is survived by his spouse and five children. His father also works as a crossing guard for the sheriff's office. This tragic event has deeply affected the community and colleagues are grieving the loss.

Aftermath: All lanes of U.S. Highway 301 were closed for several hours for cleanup and investigation but have since been reopened. The full report can be found here.