PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A third Palm Beach County deputy involved in a devastating wreck near Loxahatchee last week has tragically passed away Monday, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office told WPTV News.
Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, and Corporal Luis Paez — all motorcycle deputies — were struck by a Jeep SUV on Nov. 21 while stopped on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.
Waller and Paez were pronounced dead that same day, while Diaz was in critical condition for several days before passing away at approximately 12:45 p.m. Monday, the sheriff's office said.
"Despite his courageous fight, Deputy Diaz lost the battle due to the injuries sustained by the tragic crash," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook, adding that "once again, we find ourselves mourning the loss of another hero who dedicated his life to serving and protecting Palm Beach County."
Diaz joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in 2004 and had been with the agency's motor unit for more than 10 years.
An ambulance carrying Diaz's body left St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach just before 2:15 p.m. and arrived at the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office roughly 30 minutes later.
Dozens of local law enforcement officers from multiple agencies and counties took part in the emotional 10-mile procession.
WATCH: Procession for Palm Beach County Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
In a truly poignant show of unity and support, more than a dozen members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue stood on an Interstate 95 overpass as the procession passed underneath.
The group of fellow deputies, emergency responders, and other officials stood solemnly saluting the procession.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said a memorial for the fallen deputies is being planned for Dec. 3. No additional details have been released.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the deputies were standing on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 21, when a Pennsylvania woman, born in 1993, driving a Jeep SUV, came up to a "slower vehicle" in front of her and "abruptly" veered toward the shoulder, striking the deputies.
FHP Lt. Indiana Miranda there are no criminal charges against the Jeep driver at this time, adding that she was cooperative at the scene.
As for traffic-related violations, Miranda said the FHP's Traffic Homicide Unit will determine if the woman committed any wrongdoing, like speeding or careless or reckless driving.
Waller served with distinction for more than 18 years in the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office's motor unit, having started his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it merged with PBSO in October 2008.
Paez dedicated more than 36 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career at PBSO in January of 1988 as a corrections deputy before moving to road patrol, ultimately serving as a motor deputy for more than 20 years.
CONTINUING COVERAGE:
Region C Palm Beach County
PBSO identifies deputies killed, injured in 'horrific accident'
Region C Palm Beach County
EMOTIONAL: Hundreds of law enforcement officers pay respects to fallen deputies
Region C Palm Beach County
Will charges be filed in fatal deputy-involved crash? Here's what FHP told us
Palm Beach County
'Heart is breaking': Community honors PBSO deputies with vigil
Palm Beach County
'They have us as a community': Fallen deputies honored with candlelit walk
Palm Beach County
