Community remembers Wise County deputy who died in crash

WISE COUNTY, Texas – The sentiments somewhat surprised Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin when he spoke about Deputy Lex Love. The 26-year-old did not survive the collision with another vehicle while responding to another fatal accident.

During an interview Thursday, Sheriff Akin paused, took a deep breath, sighed and then described the atmosphere at the hospital where family, friends and colleagues gathered after learning of the tragic accident.

“There was a lot of hugging and a lot of talking last night,” Sheriff Akin said. “Tell them how much I appreciate them and that things will be better for us thanks to Lex Love.”

While responding to a fatal accident Wednesday evening, Deputy Love crashed his police car. Love attempted to make a sharp turn on County Road 4421 but encountered concrete barriers, the department said.

Sheriff Akin is awaiting official findings from state investigators.

“He was too fast,” said Sheriff Lane Akin, “But he was too fast because he wanted to help someone and lose someone like that.” I mean, it really gets to your heart. “

Akin's heart is broken because he helped launch Love's career as a prison guard at age 18. Akin describes Love as the perfect employee for others to model themselves after.

Love worked his way up to supervisor before wanting to do more.

As his mentor, Akin encouraged Love to join the police academy, especially after working so many hours at the prison and doing exemplary work.

Love received support from the Decatur Police Department to attend the police academy, where he met Officer Kellie Oehmler of the Justin Police Department

“I went to the academy with him in 2022,” said Oehmler. “He was called Big Love because he was the light in every room.”

Officer Oehmler hugged the Love's Memorial SUV on display outside the sheriff's office. She's not surprised at how many people, civilians and law enforcement are mourning his death. She said that's because people who didn't know Deputy Love most likely heard of him because of his size and loving personality.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if people outside of fucking America were talking about Lex,” Officer Oehmler said. “I mean, Lex was a great man. He really was. He will be remembered. It should be in historical books. He was that kind of guy.”

Colleagues, friends and even strangers left flowers. Some officials offered prayers and others left messages of condolence in a memorial book for his family.

Deputy Love leaves behind a wife and two young children, who Sheriff Akin said are her biggest concerns at this time. Akin is working to set up an account at a local bank where well-wishers can donate, with 100% of donations going directly to Love's family.

“We are concerned for the family because she was a stay at home mom, these precious children,” Sheriff Akin said. “So we can do everything we can to help this family.”

Akin is working with Love's family on the funeral and, more importantly, to ensure that the surrogate, affectionately known as BIG LOVE, is never forgotten.

“He’s a lovely boy,” said Sheriff Lane Akin, “That’s a perfect name.”

Watch the full interview with Sheriff Akin below