An off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy was killed in a single-vehicle crash Feb. 9 in Lake Elsinore, leaving behind a wife and month-old child.
The 32-year-old Brian Haney—a six-year-veteran with the department who worked patrol in San Juan Capistrano—was on his way home from a shift when the fatal crash occurred, according to officials.
“We are mourning the loss of one of our own,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department wrote in a statement. “Our greatest sorrow and condolences are for the member’s family and closest friends. During this time, we are collaborating with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as we prepare to honor our fallen member.”
The fatal crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. in the 25000 block of Railroad Canyon Road, near Canyon Hills Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department, which has a fire station nearby.
Fire officials said paramedics reached the location a short time later and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Video from the location shows a vehicle that appeared to have struck a tree in the roadway median. It was unclear what caused the crash.
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said it was Haney’s first day back on the job after paternity leave.
Barnes said Haney was hired by the department in August 2016, working stints at the Theo Lacey Jail and then in San Juan Capistrano. He was also a member of the Air Force Reserve, Barnes said.
“His brothers and sisters in our department described him as a quick learner, hard worker, and team player,” Barnes said. “He was known for his infectious smile, humorous and timely wit, and love for his peers.”
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley also mourned his death.
“I’m grateful for his service, and my heart goes out to Deputy Haney’s loved ones,“ Foley said in a statement. ”His young family will need our strong community support through the grief.”
San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart said on social media he was “shocked and deeply saddened” at Haney’s death.
“I know my San Juan Capistrano neighbors will join me in prayers of comfort and support for Deputy Haney’s family and loved ones,” he said.
Dozens of the deputy’s colleagues gathered for a procession held by the sheriff’s department just after 11 a.m. Thursday, saluting as his body—draped in an American flag—was removed from the vehicle and placed into a hearse.
The remains were transported to the Riverside County coroner’s facility in Perris.
Haney is survived by his wife Leslee, and son, Cole, according to officials.
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