3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Tragedy struck the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) this week as a newly promoted deputy died on just his 2nd day on the job. The heartbreaking incident occurred early in the morning, about 7:30 a.m., on Aug. 29 at the intersection of State Highway 103 and State Highway 147 in Texas. Witnesses and officials on the scene reported that a 2014 Peterbilt truck was traveling westbound on SH 103. At the time, SCSO Deputy Matthew Pearson was in the line of duty behind the wheel of a marked patrol vehicle heading northbound on SH 147. In a tragic accident, Deputy Pearson failed to give way to a large truck, resulting in a catastrophic crash between his patrol car and a Peterbilt truck trailer.

The aftermath of the accident proved fatal to Deputy Pearson, who had served his community valiantly and tragically lost his life on what should have been a promising second day on the job. By a happy coincidence, truck driver William Lyons walked away from the accident unharmed, although the emotional toll of the accident cannot be measured.

Pearson's untimely death on his second day on the job as an SCSO deputy sheriff plunged his coworkers, friends and family into a state of shock and mourning. The Etoile Volunteer Fire Department, where Pearson previously served as a public affairs officer and firefighter, confirmed the devastating news. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is currently underway. Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence, analyze witness statements, and develop a complete picture of the events leading up to the tragic loss of life.

Deputy Pearson's dedication to serving the community and his previous experience as a firefighter attest to his commitment to protecting and serving the community. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him, and the impact of his death will be deeply felt both within the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the community at large.