A Wise County Sheriff’s Deputy died in a single-vehicle crash while on duty Wednesday, officials confirmed Thursday.
Wise County Sheriff’s Deputy Lex Allen Love, 26, was responding to the scene of a nearby crash at about 8:02 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2 on County Road 4421, east of U.S. 287, according to a news release.
While “rushing to the scene” of another crash, Love collided with a concrete barrier on Highway 287 just north of Rhome Wednesday night, according to a press release from the Wise County Sheriff’s Department.
Other Wise County deputies were nearby when the crash occurred but Love was unresponsive when they reached his cruiser, the release states.
Love was taken to a hospital where he died, officials said.Â
“Lex leaves behind a beautiful and loving young family. Last night, a huge hole was left in Wise County Law Enforcement,” the release states.Â
Love had been employed with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office since April, officials said. Â
He was previously employed with the Decatur Police Department from Nov. 2022 to April 2024, the department confirmed.Â
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office as they grieve the tragic loss of a Deputy who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the Texas Municipal Police Association said Thursday in a social media post.Â
Who was Lex Allen Love?
Deputy Love had served with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy for six months.
He had previously served with the Decatur Police Department and the Wise County Sheriff’s Department as a jailer.
He was awarded the Decatur Police Department’s Newcomer of the Year in 2024 and Wise County Sheriff’s Office Jailer of the Year in 2019. He is survived by his wife and children.
