WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office deputy has died, days after he was struck by a vehicle in Western Palm Beach County. Two other deputies were also killed during the crash.
Ignacio “Dan” Diaz succumbed to his injuries on Monday.
According to PBSO, the incident happened on Thursday when the three deputies were on traffic detail on Southern Boulevard near the Arden Clubhouse.
Dashcam video from a fellow driver showed the deputies standing on the shoulder only minutes before the crash. They also shared video of first responders rendering aid.
The sheriff told 7News one motorcycle had a dead battery, causing the three of them to wait for help. A driver of an SUV then attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle, and it swerved onto the shoulder of the road, accidentally striking the deputies on their motorcycles.
“She overcompensated, got off the road, and then struck all three of the motor officers,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “At which time all three went airborne in different directions.”
Both the SUV and the motorcycles additionally suffered severe damage.
Paramedics airlifted all three victims to Saint Mary’s Hospital, where Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller were pronounced dead. All three men were veterans with the Sheriff’s Office.
“Butch was just a great, great guy,” said one officer. “I mean, he was like the picture of the human being you want to be. He was just a good, wholesome man.”
Diaz was in the hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the SUV currently is not facing any charges.
A procession was held Monday morning in Palm Beach County honoring the officers’ service and sacrifice. A memorial service will also be held on Tuesday.
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