Deputy, father of 5 killed in off-duty crash: ‘Our hearts break for the family’

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) – A sheriff’s deputy was killed in an off-duty crash on Thursday morning in Florida.

The deputy was identified as Darell Brown, 40, who served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

HCSO said Brown was involved in an off-duty crash in his personal vehicle when he collided with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 301 in Thonotosassa.

HCSO said Brown was heading home from work when the crash happened.

According to a news release, Brown joined HCSO in January 2015 and “faithfully served his community as a detention deputy in both detention facilities.” Most recently, he served in the Booking Unit at the Orient Road Jail.

In a statement, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said his department is heartbroken:

“Our hearts break for the family, friends, and loved ones of Deputy Brown as they navigate this incomprehensible loss … Deputy Brown was more than just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to many. His genuine warmth, commitment, and compassionate spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

Chronister said Brown was married and had a blended family with five children, ages 5 to 20.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

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