A Texas police officer was recently killed while on his way to work during Hurricane Beryl, authorities said.
The Houston Police Department (HPD) announced the tragic incident Monday evening. The storm, which recently weakened to a tropical storm, passed through Texas on Monday on its way north.
The deceased officer was identified as Russell Richardson, who worked in HPD’s Technical Services Division.
“This was a sad day for us,” HPD Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite said in a post on X. [HPD] family.”
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A Houston police officer was killed on his way to work after being hit by Hurricane Beryl. (Getty Images)
“We are deeply saddened to lose a member of our HPD family today while on his way to work during the hurricane,” Satterwhite’s post read.
“Russell Richardson, 54, an information security officer assigned to the Technology Services Directorate, was caught in rising floodwaters. [sic] “He was involved in a crash on Houston Street and tragically lost his life,” the statement added. “We ask that everyone please pray for Russell’s family, his wife and children, as well as his colleagues and friends.”
On Facebook, HPD’s announcement prompted hundreds of comments expressing sympathy.
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Severe flooding occurs near the I-10 freeway shortly after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Houston, Monday, July 8, 2024. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
“Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for all your efforts,” one social media user posted.
“My heartfelt prayers go out to his family and loved ones and everyone at the Humane Police Department,” another said.
Tropical Storm Beryl is expected to affect Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana as it moves north toward Canada. At least three people have been killed and more than 2.7 million people have been affected without power since the storm hit Texas, according to Fox Weather.
A downed fence was spotted in a residential area of East Houston on Monday, July 8, 2024, shortly after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Houston. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital reached out to HPD for additional information but did not immediately receive a response.
