SHELBY COUNTY, Texas — The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has identified the deputy who was killed after a crash early Tuesday morning.
Sheriff Kevin W. Windham announced Deputy Matthew Pierson, 25, of Etoile, died following a wreck involving a truck tractor semi-trailer. According to the sheriff's office, the wreck happened on State Highway 103, at the intersection of State Highway 147 on Tuesday.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Leah Chase said in a Facebook that their hearts are shattered
"To know him, was to love him. He was everything our agency needed," Chase wrote. "It was an honor to witness you being sworn in, but it was a greater honor to call you my friend. I will forever miss you, Junior. And every time I hear a whistle being blown, I will think of you."
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers responded to the scene where a 2014 Peterbilt truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling west on Highway 103 and Pierson in a marked patrol unit was traveling north on Highway.
DPS said Pierson failed to yield to the truck tractor. He struck the trailer portion of the vehicle.
Pierson passed away and the driver of the truck tractor, William Lyons, 54, of San Augustine, was not injured.
A memorial has been set up at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for the public to leave condolences.
"Please remember the family of our deputy and our agency in your prayers at this time," the sheriff's office said.