HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy died after being involved in a single-vehicle crash near downtown Houston on Saturday, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy was 62-year-old Ronald Bates, who had just finished his shift.
Police was dispatched to the scene at Richmond Avenue and Travis Street at approximately 9:37 p.m. regarding a crash.
When they arrived, they saw that a vehicle suffered serious damage to the front and in the driver’s side.
The deputy was taken to a local hospital in critical condition after the incident and later pronounced dead.
So sad to report that our deputy has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. https://t.co/LWJ9MoJOVs
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) February 11, 2024
He worked for the sheriff’s for more than 30 years.
“He was a great man and loved by many. And, he’s going to be missed. He definitely left a mark in this agency. And we’re going to do everything we can to support the family as they as they go through their grieving process,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
He said the deputy was loved and respected by all the people he knew.
The sheriff’s office did not share other information about the crash, and Sheriff Gonzalez said HPD is investigating the incident.