The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office identified the two motorcycle deputies who died and another who was seriously injured after the incident. they were hit by a car Thursday morning.

The crash happened on State Road 80 in Loxahatchee in west Palm Beach while three deputies were working traffic enforcement, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said at a news conference.

One of the deputies’ motorcycle didn’t start, so the three of them stood on the grassy shoulder and waited on battery jumper cables. Bradshaw said an SUV heading eastbound left the roadway and hit them.

Bradshaw said the female driver “overcompensated” and turned suddenly to the right to avoid a slower vehicle on the road. Due to the impact, the MPs flew in different directions.

Two of them were declared dead in the hospital, while the third is fighting for his life in intensive care.

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

Corporal Luis Paez He was one of the dead MPs. He devoted 36 years of his life to law enforcement, starting his career as a corrections deputy with PBSO in January 1988 and moving to the Road Patrol, where he served as a motor vehicle deputy for more than 20 years, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller He was the other MP who died. He began his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before merging with PBSO in October 2008, serving with distinction in PBSO’s engine unit for over 18 years.

Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz He is in critical but stable condition after the accident. He joined PBSO in 2004 and has been a member of PBSO’s engine unit for over 10 years.

The three were also part of President-elect Donald Trump’s escort team, Bradshaw said.

This is our hero, Congressman Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, currently fighting for his life. Deputy Diaz joined PBSO in 2004 and has been a valued member of our Engine Unit for over 10 years. He is currently in critical condition. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for him and his family… pic.twitter.com/PHH4TGHvQo

— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) 22 November 2024

“We mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting Palm Beach County,” a sheriff’s spokesman said in a statement. “We stand together, honor their memory, and support their families, friends, and colleagues during this time of great pain. Let us remember their courage and devotion to duty as we pledge to continue their legacy of service.”

Two ambulances carrying the bodies of the motorcycle men were escorted by flashing lights the seven-mile journey to the medical examiner’s office. Hundreds of law enforcement officers descended on St. Louis to embrace each other and offer support. They gathered in front of St. Mary’s Medical Center.

The driver, who is not currently facing any charges, showed no signs of injury, Bradshaw said. He described the crash as a “terrible accident”.

“When you leave your home and kiss your family goodbye, law enforcement, public safety and the military are the only professions; this may be the last time,” Bradshaw said.