Lake County detention deputy killed in head-on crash, officials say

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — A Lake County detention deputy was killed in a head-on crash on his way home from work Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol

Herbert Cole, 40, of Umatilla, was heading north in a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze on County Road 439 near the intersection of Mill Creek Road around 6:40 a.m. when the crash occurred, troopers said.

An 18-year-old man driving a 1994 GMC pickup truck south on C.R. 439 crossed into the northbound lanes, hitting Cole head-on.

Cole was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

After the crash, the pickup’s driver was thrown from the truck, which caught fire, according to a crash report.

He was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital with serious injuries, the crash report states.

Cole was wearing a seat belt, according to the crash report.

A blood alcohol test is pending on the pickup’s driver, the crash report states.

Charges are pending against the pickup’s driver, according to the crash report.

Cox Media Group