WINNIE, Texas – An off-duty reserve deputy constable was killed in a crash on eastbound I-10 in the Winnie area while helping manage traffic along the interstate, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said.
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The sheriff’s office announced the crash around 8:23 a.m. Friday.
Investigators say an 18-wheeler was involved in the incident. The deputy served with a neighboring jurisdiction, Hawthorne said.
The Jefferson County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 later identified the deputy as Reserve Deputy Heather Avery. In a statement, the office said it is “heartbroken” by the loss, calling Avery “a shining example of what is good in law enforcement” and a proud member of the department.
Constable Jevonne Pollard extended condolences to Avery’s family and to those who knew her, adding that funeral arrangements are pending.
I-10 eastbound remains closed east of State Highway 124 near the county line. Drivers are being routed off the freeway to Highway 73 as the Texas Department of Public Safety works the investigation.