Wise County deputy killed while responding to fatal crash

WISE COUNTY, Texas – A Wise County sheriff's deputy died in a car accident while on duty.

The Wise County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Lex Love responded to the scene of another fatal crash on Highway 287 north of Rhome Wednesday evening.

The 26-year-old officer reportedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier in a construction site.

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

(Photojournalist Michael Beard)

Wise County Judge JD Clark described Deputy Love as a husband, father and friend to many.

“He was one of my students when I taught at Bowie and he always had a great attitude and personality that I still saw in him as a grown man when we met in the community,” Judge Clark said.

Love began his career in law enforcement as a prison guard in Wise County.

He attended the police academy and served on the Decatur Police Department for several years. He returned to WCSO as a deputy earlier this year.

Decatur police are already mourning the loss of another reserve officer who died in an off-duty motorcycle accident earlier this week.

“Please join me in praying for the families, friends and police brothers and sisters of these men, and please pray for a protective barrier for all of our first responders,” Judge Clark said.

Love reportedly leaves behind a wife and two young children.