Two Palm Beach Deputies Killed, And A Third Critically Injured When A Vehicle Veered Off Southern Boulevard
Palm Beach County, Fla. — Two veteran deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) were killed, and a third remains in critical condition after a devastating crash on Southern Boulevard near Loxahatchee. The incident occurred Thursday morning at approximately 9:29 a.m., in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and near Lion Country Safari.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, addressing the public in a somber news conference, described the collision as a "horrific accident." The deputies, all members of the PBSO motor unit, were conducting routine traffic enforcement when the tragedy unfolded.
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The deputies were running radar on eastbound traffic along Southern Boulevard when one of them experienced a mechanical issue with his motorcycle, suspecting a dead battery. Unable to restart the bike, he called two colleagues for assistance. The three deputies worked together to move the motorcycle off the road and onto the grassy shoulder.
As they waited for additional PBSO personnel to arrive with battery cables, an eastbound driver in the center lane approached the area. According to Sheriff Bradshaw, the driver encountered a slower-moving vehicle and abruptly veered to the right—towards the shoulder—where the deputies were positioned.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators reported that the driver, a Pennsylvania woman born in 1993, lost control of her vehicle, overcompensating as she swerved off the road. The vehicle struck all three deputies, sending them airborne in different directions.
Two deputies, Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller, were pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Medical Center. The third, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, underwent emergency surgery and remains in the intensive care unit in critical but stable condition.
PBSO identified Corporal Luis Paez as a 36-year veteran of the department. He began his career in 1988 as a Corrections Deputy before transitioning to Road Patrol and eventually becoming a motor deputy over 20 years ago.
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller served in law enforcement for over 18 years, beginning with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before its merger with PBSO in 2008. Known for his dedication to the motor unit, Waller was a respected member of the team.
Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, who joined PBSO in 2004, has been part of the motor unit for over a decade. He is expected to undergo another surgery on Friday as doctors work to stabilize his condition.
Sheriff Bradshaw expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the deputies, emphasizing their commitment to the community. "When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them. It's tough," he said.
The crash was witnessed by an officer and deputy already en route to assist with the disabled motorcycle. They called for additional resources as the gravity of the situation unfolded.
Authorities have stated that the driver of the vehicle was not impaired at the time of the crash and sustained only minor injuries. The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident.
The loss of Deputies Paez and Waller reverberated across Palm Beach County. A solemn procession took place Thursday afternoon, escorting their bodies from St. Mary’s Medical Center to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Dozens of law enforcement officers participated in the motorcade, which included members of the PBSO, West Palm Beach Police Department, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, and Florida Highway Patrol. A giant American flag, suspended from a fire rescue ladder truck, greeted the procession upon its arrival at the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Southern Boulevard remained closed for several hours following the crash but reopened to traffic shortly before 1:30 p.m.
Funeral arrangements for the fallen deputies are being planned and are expected to take place next week. Sheriff Bradshaw urged the community to keep the PBSO family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily, even while performing routine duties. The community now stands united in honoring the lives and legacies of Corporal Paez and Deputy Waller, while offering hope and prayers for Deputy Diaz’s recovery.
