2 Veteran Officers Killed, 1 Critically Injured After Car Hits Them on Highway Shoulder: 'Horrific Accident'

Mar. 15, 2025

From L: PBSO Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz.Photo:PBSO

PBSO

Two veteran officers in Florida have died and a third is critically injured after a car crashed into them on the side of the highway.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, the three officers — identified as Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz — were conducting traffic enforcement on Southern Blvd when the tragedy occurred, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) said in apost on X(formerly known as Twitter).

Paez and Waller died in the accident, and Diaz was “critically injured in the crash and is currently fighting for his life,” the police post said.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of two of our own,” the message began.

PBSO Corporal Luis Paez.PBSO

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our brothers, honor their memory, and support their families during this devastating time. Please keep Deputy Diaz in your prayers as he continues to fight. To serve and protect was their oath; to honor them is our duty.#PBSOFallen,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

Asecond postread, alongside a photo of “hero” Diaz, “Deputy Diaz joined PBSO in 2004 and has been a valued member of our Motor Unit for over 10 years.”

“We ask for your thoughts and prayers for him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.#PBSOstrong,” the message added.

The release added, “Deputy Sheriff Ralph ‘Butch’ Waller served with distinction for over 18 years in our motor unit, having started his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it merged with PBSO in October 2008.”

PBSO Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller.PBSO

In a news conference shared on the PBSOFacebookpage, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained that the crash occurred after one officer couldn’t get his motorcycle to start after contact with a motorist. He called the other two officers to help, thinking he had a dead battery.

“All three [of them were] on the grassy area of the shoulder of the road, and they were going to wait for another PBSO vehicle to come with some battery cables,” Bradshaw shared.

“She overcompensated, got off the road and then struck all three of the motor officers — at which time all three went airborne in different directions,” Bradshaw told reporters.

The officer and deputy heading to help saw what happened, the sheriff confirmed, and called for assistance. All three were transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center.

“Unfortunately, two of them were deceased; the third one went to surgery and is now in ICU in critical but stable position,” Bradshaw said, adding, “Hopefully, he’s going to make it.”

PBSO Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz.PBSO

Bradshaw said the preliminary investigation suggests the driver wasn’t impaired. “It just looks like one of those things where she overcompensated and got off the road,” he said, calling the incident a “horrific accident.”

“When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them,” Bradshaw told reporters. “It’s tough.”

The sheriff confirmed the driver of the vehicle had “minor injuries,” and that the funeral for the two deceased officers would likely take place next week.

PBSO is investigating the incident with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

“Knowing he was so close to retirement absolutely breaks my heart," another of Paez’s friends, Shanell Bledsoe, said of the late officer being 100 days from retirement, per the outlet. “And he was so looking forward to it.”

source: people.com