MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – A beloved Deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has passed away. 22-year-old Deputy Antonio Hernandez was killed in an accident on I-75 early Sunday morning, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
Early Sunday, Florida Highway Patrol said a 72-year-old Bradenton man, driving a van, was traveling North and directly into a 22-year-old victim’s car on the highway.
Troopers say the 72-year-old man tried to switch lanes as he approached the State Road 64 exit and crashed into the front of Hernandez’s car. FHP says that Hernandez went into the grassy median and then the front of his car hit a steel pole. Hernandez was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own. This morning, Dep. Antonio Hernandez died from injuries sustained in a traffic crash, while off duty. He began his career at @PalmettoPD before joining MCSO in July. Please keep his family & friends in your thoughts & prayers, ” Manatee Sheriff said on Twitter.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, “We send our deepest condolences to our law enforcement partners and family at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office who lost one of their own today. Deputy Antonio Hernandez passed away from injuries he sustained in a car crash.”
“This is devastating news, especially just a few days before Christmas,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I am hurting alongside our brothers and sisters in blue at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Please keep Deputy Hernandez’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers. My heart is with those who loved him, ” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
“Our hearts are broken learning the news of the passing of Manatee County Sheriff Deputy Antonio Hernandez. Deputy Hernandez passed away this morning from injuries he sustained in a crash. We’re thinking of his family, friends, and our brothers and sisters at the MCSO,” said Sarasota Police Department in a post on Twitter.