TERRELL, Texas — Kaufman County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of its own after a sergeant in the department died Sunday.
Saturday, Sgt. Daniel E. VanHuss, 37, was driving his motorcycle at an unsafe speed while hitting a curve near the intersection of TX-34 and N Frances St in Terrell, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Safety.
DPS says VanHuss, who was off-duty at the time, failed to maneuver the curve safely, which caused him and his passenger, 31-year-old Alyson Hibdon, to swerve off the road, hit a median, and overturn the motorcycle. Officers responded to the scene around 9:36 p.m.
Both VanHuss and Hibdon were transported to Baylor Sunnyvale, but VanHuss was later airlifted to Baylor Dallas. Around 1 a.m. Sunday, VanHuss died from his injuries.
According to DPS, Hibdon is still in the hospital.
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office says Sergeant II Daniel Van Huss has been with the sheriff's office since 2009. He moved up the ranks over time, becoming a deputy in 2011, a corporal in 2013, and a sergeant later that same year. VanHuss was promoted to Sergeant II on July 15, 2024, just five days before the crash.
The Texas Municipal Police Association released a statement on VanHuss' passing:
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic loss of Kaufman County Sgt. and TMPA member Daniel Van Huss, who was involved in an off-duty traffic accident.
Sgt. Van Huss dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time."
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. VanHuss' visitation is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 25 at 2918 U.S. 175 in Kaufman. His funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26 at 2-4 FM 1641 in Forney.
DPS says the accident is still under investigation.
