PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – Friends and colleagues are remembering Palm Beach County motorcycle deputies involved in a crash that claimed the lives of two and left a third fighting for his life.
“All pleasant, all professional, they are just salt-of-the-earth type of public servants,” said attorney Edward Kone, who worked alongside PBSO’s Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Dan Diaz in traffic and criminal cases.
The crash happened Thursday morning in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, near Lion Country Safari.
PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed the deputies were waiting for assistance after one of their motorcycles broke down.
A woman driving nearby overcompensated while switching lanes and struck all three deputies causing them to “go airborne in different directions, Bradshaw said at a news conference Thursday.
6 p.m. report:
He said Paez and Waller succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, while Diaz continues to fight for his life.
“Tragically ironic that people that keep our streets safe and our roads safe, that this would be their fate,” Kone said. “It’s crazy.”
Paez, remembered for his dedication to his craft as a photographer, served as president of the Florida Professional Photographers.
“He was looking forward to retirement, and he was planning on turning that into a more robust photography business,” said Robbin Joachim, a fellow photographer.
Joachim fondly recalled their camaraderie during conventions, saying, “We like to party! And we always had a tiki bar at the hotel at our convention with a number of other colleagues, so we had a good time, and I’ll leave it at that!”
Waller served the PBSO for 18 years and was praised for his professionalism and character.
“You knew what you were getting, always respectful, always punctual, hardworking, honest, just a good deputy,” Kone said.
5 p.m. report:
Meanwhile, Diaz remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition after undergoing a second surgery.
“I really hope Deputy Diaz pulls through,” Kone said.
A vigil is underway Friday to honor the lives of the fallen PBSO deputies.
As for the driver, the FHP is leading the investigation. A spokesperson said no charges have been filed yet, but the case remains under review, with an update expected upon its conclusion.
The Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association has set up a fund to assist the deputies’ families. Click here for more information.