Local News
Two Palm Beach County Deputies Killed, One Critically Injured in Loxahatchee Crash
Details about the vehicle involved and the condition of its driver have not yet been released.
A devastating crash in Loxahatchee on Thursday claimed the lives of two Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) motorcycle deputies and left a third critically injured.
The collision occurred in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, near Lion Country Safari.
According to initial reports from PBSO officials, the deputies were involved in a traffic accident believed to have been caused by a dump truck.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and at least one deputy was airlifted to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee.
Another critically injured deputy was transported via helicopter to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
The crash has led to an outpouring of support, with law enforcement agencies from across the region, including West Palm Beach police and the Florida Highway Patrol, gathering at St. Mary’s Medical Center in solidarity.
Southern Boulevard remains closed west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road as the investigation into the incident continues.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
PBSO officials announced they would hold a press conference at 4 p.m. to provide updates on the tragic incident.
No further details about the circumstances leading to the crash have been released at this time.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.
Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:
- Willie Morris, 38
- Dakeyia Shippy, 25
- Mason Issac, 4
- Jerekry McGill, 7 months
All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.
“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.
“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.