Deputy Killed, Police Chief Hurt While Helping Stranded Driver

Falls County Deputy Matt Jones was fatally injured and Riesel Police Chief Danny Krumnow was badly hurt after the two were struck by a car while trying to help another motorist Friday afternoon.

Our partners at News 10 report that the two were helping a stranded motorists whose car left Highway 6 around 2 PM Friday when a Mazda sedan hydroplaned and hit them.

Deputy Jones died at the scene. His K9 partner, Thor, was uninjured and is now with his family.

Chief Krumnow suffered a dislocated knee and several broken ribs. His spleen was so badly lacerated that it had to be removed. He's recovering in stable condition at Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple.

News 10 reports that the driver of the Mazda was also injured and hospitalized.

I don't have enough details to tell you how fast the Mazda driver may have been going or how close they were to the officers when the collision occurred, but this is a grim reminder of the importance of slowing down when you pass a stranded motorist and/or police on the side of the road and give them plenty of space.

Slowing down and moving over might inconvenience you for a few moments, but it could also save lives.