OAKLAND PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - A man who died after being crushed by an RV outside his home in Oakland Park has been identified as a recently retired sergeant of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening near Northwest 36th Court and 18th Avenue.
Deputies responded to the scene and found 64-year-old Craig Bachan trapped beneath the RV.
Craig’s son, Connor, told 7News his father had been working on the RV in preparation of a trip this summer.
“He’s just been working on it since. He literally called me yesterday telling me he’s been driving it around town and trying to prepare for his trip. He was super excited,” said Connor.
He added that this new chapter in his father’s life would take him to Alaska and even the Midwest.
“He decided at the last minute that he was going to buy an RV, he was going to enjoy his retirement and he didn’t want to keep waiting,” said Connor.
But his father tragically passed away after the RV fell on top of him.
“All I know is that it was a freak accident. There was nothing really notable that happened. It was just basically an act of God,” he said.
Craig, who had recently retired from BSO after 29 years with the force, was discovered by a neighbor across the street from the incident, who called 911.
“He just bought the RV,” a neighbor told 7News. “He was going to go out to Montana, Idaho, that area of the country this summer on a vacation. The entire neighborhood right now is in total shock.”
The retired sergeant had a passion for service and making a difference in the community.
“He was really good at it,” said Connor. “He had a couple of big named cases and he liked doing the work. He said it challenged his mind.”
Back in 2009, Craig appeared at a press conference to discuss an arrest.
“Yesterday afternoon, we were called by the crime lab and told that we had a match,” he told the press.
Craig—a friend to many and a loving father who is gone too soon.
“He loved teaching me. He loved working on things with me,” said Connor. “He made sure that I knew he loved me. He taught me as much as he could.”
His son added that Craig was there for him his whole life and always seemed to be, what he calls, the adult in the room, offering pearls of wisdom.
“He was nothing but supportive all the time. He helped me go through engineering school. He was there for me emotionally the whole way,” he said.
BSO detectives confirmed no foul play is suspected but it’s unclear what exactly caused the RV to fall.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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