Falls County Deputy Matt Jones was fatally injured and Riesel Police Chief Danny Krumnow was badly hurt after the two were struck by a car while trying to help another motorist Friday afternoon.

Our partners at News 10 report that the two were helping a stranded motorists whose car left Highway 6 around 2 PM Friday when a Mazda sedan hydroplaned and hit them.

Deputy Jones died at the scene. His K9 partner, Thor, was uninjured and is now with his family.

Chief Krumnow suffered a dislocated knee and several broken ribs. His spleen was so badly lacerated that it had to be removed. He's recovering in stable condition at Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple.

News 10 reports that the driver of the Mazda was also injured and hospitalized.

I don't have enough details to tell you how fast the Mazda driver may have been going or how close they were to the officers when the collision occurred, but this is a grim reminder of the importance of slowing down when you pass a stranded motorist and/or police on the side of the road and give them plenty of space.

Slowing down and moving over might inconvenience you for a few moments, but it could also save lives.

Get our free mobile app

More From KSSM-FM