Hillsborough County, FL – Deputy Killed in Tragic Crash on U.S. 301

Hillsborough County, FL (September 19, 2024) – On the morning of September 19, 2024, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Darell Brown, 40, was killed in a tragic crash on U.S. 301 near Thonotosassa. According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, the Deputy Brown was driving home to Pasco County when the accident occurred. He had just finished working an overnight shift at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa. 

Deputy Brown, who was driving his personal F-150 pickup truck, was northbound on U.S. 301 near Franklin Road shortly before 8:00 a.m., when he crossed into the southbound lane, directly into the path of a flatbed tractor trailer. According to Sheriff Chronister and the Florida Highway Patrol, skid marks on the highway indicate that the tractor trailer driver, a 32-year-old man from Orlando, tried to stop his massive semi-truck. Unfortunately, the semi jackknifed and the two vehicles collided nearly head-on. The deputy’s smaller vehicle came to rest almost 100 yards North of where the tractor trailer came to rest. 

Deputy Brown was instantly killed in the collision. The tractor trailer driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. 

The car accident lawyers at Magazine & Light Law Group would like to express our sincere condolences to the loved ones of Deputy Darell Brown. Our hearts go out to Deputy Brown’s wife, his five children, his fellow officers, and other friends and family members who are impacted by this incredible loss. 

What Might Have Caused the Crash on U.S. 301?

According to Fox 13 News, the fatal crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. As such, the events leading up to the collision, and any factors that may have contributed to the crash, have not yet been determined. Investigators and accident reconstruction specialists will likely evaluate numerous types of evidence to identify the cause of the accident. These might include, but are not limited to:

• Skid marks, accident debris, tire tracks, and other physical evidence from the accident scene
• Damage to both vehicles
• Evidence captured by the tractor trailer’s black box
• Dashcam footage
• Deputy Brown’s medical records
• Motor vehicle equipment

Common Causes of Head-On Collisions

There are many reasons that head-on collisions involving lane departures like this one happen. The most common causes investigators, law enforcement, and accident attorneys see include:

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies, like strokes and heart attacks, may play a role in causing head-on collisions. This is especially true if the driver is unable to control his or her vehicle due to pain, confusion, paralysis, or unconsciousness. 

Fatigued Driving

Studies indicate that fatigue can have the same effect on a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle as intoxicating drugs, medications, or alcohol. Drivers who are fatigued might experience slower reaction times, poor motor skills, and blurred vision. In extreme cases, fatigued drivers may dose off behind the wheel. 

Distracted Driving

While texting and cellphone use are the most common forms of distraction we hear about, they are not the only ways drivers might lose their focus. Eating, drinking, using infotainment systems, interacting with GPS, and even talking with passengers can be dangerously distracting as well. 

Faulty Motor Vehicle Parts

In some cases, faulty motor vehicle equipment contributes to head-on collisions. Things like failing brakes, defective steering systems, “stuck” accelerators, and tire blowouts can also cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle.

Do You Need Legal Help After a Crash? 

For accident victims and their families, dealing with the aftermath of a head-on collision can be overwhelming – especially if the life of a loved one is lost. The accident lawyers at Magazine & Light Law Group understand the impact such a traumatic event has on victims, and we want to help you get through this difficult time. 

Contact our law firm for a free, obligation consultation, and let’s talk about how to get your life back on track.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association