Chris Johnson: 'Wonderful' deputy sheriff and father-of-4 dies in a multi-vehicle accident in North Carolina

SANFORD, NORTH CAROLINA: A North Carolina community is reeling with the loss of a “wonderful” deputy sheriff and father-of-four who died in a multi-vehicle accident on Tuesday, February 6.

According to ABC-affiliate WTVD-TV, Chris Johnson, 51, who served the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and was a school resource officer, was on the way home from his job at Highland Middle School in Sanford when the crash occurred. 

The Harnett County Sheriff's Office 911 Center received an emergency call regarding the collision on Darroch Road in Lillington just before 3 pm, Sheriff Wayne Coats said in a statement on Facebook.

First responders said three vehicles were involved in the accident

Upon arrival, first responders found three vehicles involved in the accident. Johnson died at the scene while two other individuals were transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Coats said. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is now investigating the accident, as per the sheriff’s office. As of Thursday, February 8, no charges have been filed.

State troopers told the news station that preliminary findings show Johnson crossed the center line and hit a semi-truck. Johnson’s vehicle then collided with the Dodge Durango whose occupants were taken to the hospital. The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured in the accident, according to WTVD.

School district officials paid tribute to Chris Johnson

School district officials paid tribute to Johnson in the wake of his death. 

"Harnett County Schools is deeply saddened to hear about the death of Chris Johnson, a School Resource Officer at Highland Middle School," the school system said, adding "We appreciate Deputy Johnson's service to our students and staff. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

Another school, where the longtime law enforcement officer worked at, also shared its condolences. “He was such a kind, wonderful man and he will be greatly missed,” South Harnett Elementary School said on Facebook.

An organization that assists law enforcement officials has established a GoFundMe to help support Johnson’s wife and children. As of Thursday morning, February 8, it has raised over $8,000.

Florida man arrested for hit-and-run deaths of truck driver and on-duty FHP trooper

Meaww previously reported that a 30-year-old man from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea was arrested after fleeing law enforcement following a crash that killed a semi-truck driver and Florida Highway Patrol trooper.

Michael Anthony Addison is facing eight charges, including five counts of felony homicide, fleeing and eluding, and driving without a license in connection with the death of on-duty FHP trooper Zachary Fink, 26.

Authorities say that while pursuing Addison on I-95 on Friday morning, February 2, Trooper Zachary Fink died. Addison allegedly eluded numerous attempts by various agencies to carry out a traffic stop, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

"We intend to hold the Defendant fully accountable for the lives he’s taken and the immeasurable pain he has caused. The Florida Highway Patrol, as well as the loved ones and friends of both Trooper Fink and the driver of the semi-truck, acknowledge that this is not the end of the loss suffered," said Executive Director Kerner, according to WPTV.

"Trooper Fink gave his life to hold the Defendant accountable and keeping our community safe from harm, and we will work to ensure Trooper Fink’s intent is accomplished," he added.