Two Shelby County Deputies Hospitalized After Highway 64 Crashes, Community Rallies for Support

Memphis, Tenn. – Two Shelby County Deputies Injured in Separate Highway Crashes

In a concerning turn of events Tuesday morning, two deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office found themselves hospitalized after a series of crashes on Highway 64. The incidents, which took place around 7 a.m. on October 15, 2024, have left one deputy fighting for their life, prompting the community to rally for support and prayers.

What Happened on Highway 64

The first incident involved a motorcycle deputy who was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 64 and Cobb Road. According to investigations by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the driver of the vehicle reportedly pulled onto Highway 64 just as the motorcycle was passing through, leading to the collision. Thankfully, this deputy was taken to Regional One Health and later released in non-critical condition. However, the initial shock of the accident still lingered in the air, as folks in the area came to terms with the sudden turn of events.

While emergency responders were en route to assist after the first crash, a second incident occurred just east of Houston Levee. Sadly, another motorcycle deputy was involved in this collision when a vehicle pulled out in front of him. Authorities state that this deputy was transported to Regional One in critical condition and is currently on life support. The reality of such a severe accident hit home for many in the community, leading to shared looks of concern among residents and other law enforcement personnel.

Community Response and Calls for Prayers

Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office addressed the pressing situation, noting that the second deputy remains in “extremely critical condition.” He expressed that the following days will be “touch and go,” adding a powerful emotional weight to the gathering clouds of worry. In light of these tragic events, the families of both deputies are asking for prayers from the community, emphasizing the importance of unity during these tough times.

As locals caught wind of the accidents, many took to social media platforms to express their shock and offer support. Local residents commented on the dangers of Highway 64 and echoed the necessity for drivers to remain vigilant. Messages of encouragement poured in, demonstrating a collective spirit of compassion and solidarity among the citizens of Memphis.

The Investigation Continues

In the aftermath of the crashes, the THP has cited the drivers responsible for both incidents. The driver responsible for the first accident faced charges for “failure to exercise due care,” while the driver in the second incident was cited for “failure to yield the right of way.” These citations serve as a reminder that staying aware on the road is of utmost importance.

First responders worked tirelessly to ensure the situation was contained quickly, with law enforcement temporarily closing the highway in both directions between Houston Levee Road and Cobb Road. The area was reopened shortly after 9:15 a.m., but the echoes of the morning’s events rippled through the community.

Final Thoughts

As Memphis communities come together to support the injured deputies and their families, the atmosphere is a mix of concern, hope, and resilience. The road ahead may be uncertain for the deputies involved, especially for the one in critical condition, but the support from the community shines a light amidst the shadows of this difficult situation. With every prayer and message of encouragement, there’s a shared understanding that we’re all in this together.