Deputy John Coddou killed while helping at crash site served Harris County for 20 years

John Hampton Coddou, a 20-year veteran on the force and U.S. Army veteran, tragically passed away after stopping to assist in a minor accident and being struck by a vehicle. He is survived by his wife and mother.

What happened?

The Harris County deputy was assisting at a crash scene on the Grand Parkway at Cumberland Ridge Drive when he was struck by an ongoing vehicle.

RELATED: Deputy dies after being struck by vehicle while assisting another crash on Grand Parkway in northwest Harris County

Life Flight was called to transport the deputy to Memorial Herman in the Medical Center. He was listed to be in serious condition but it was later announced that he died from his injuries.

Coddou’s career

After retiring from the U.S. Army, Coddou joined the HCSO as a detention officer in 2003 and was promoted to deputy two years later. West Harris County was his home during his career as a patrol deputy. His most recent position is as an investigator for the sheriff’s office violent crimes unit.

What people are saying

Coddou tried to avoid the truck but he was hit, said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

“Our hearts are broken, our spirits are crushed,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a sad day in Harris County as we mourn the loss of one of our deputies that died in the line of duty.”

SEE ALSO: Harris County deputy fatality serves as a tragic reminder to observe Move Over/Slow Down law

The driver of the truck remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said that Caddou could have decided not to stop and drive past the crash scene.

“But that wasn’t who John was. By all accounts, he was a public servant through and through,” Gonzalez said.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shares her condolences:

My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy, John Hampton Coddou, who passed away this morning after being struck while assisting with a traffic accident on Highway 99. In his 20-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, he has left a lasting impact on our community. I want to thank his family for sharing him with us as he put his life at risk every day to keep Harris County safe. I am in touch with the Sheriff’s Office, and we are working to provide them with any support they need during this time.

Texas Boys Outdoors highlighted how Coddou was an “awesome guy that was a joy to have out on the water fishing and hanging out with.”