A 56-year-old DeKalb County, Ala., deputy was killed Tuesday in a traffic crash, according to officials with the department where he worked.
"Our hearts here at the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office are saddened this morning when we learned that one of our deputies, Daniel Matthews was in a car accident that took his life," DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said Tuesday in a news release. "Daniel was 56 years old, was with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Reserves for two years before becoming a deputy."
Matthews had been a deputy for four years and also was employed by the Fort Payne Housing Authority, Harris said.
""I have worked with Daniel for many years. He was a good person and deputy," Harris said. "We are deeply saddened to have lost one of our deputies and it is hard for us because we are like family here at the Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to his family."
Chief Deputy Michael Edmondson echoed Harris' sentiments.
"We are a close-knit family and we are saddened about this tragedy," Edmondson said. "We are praying for his family and close friends. We also ask for the citizens to pray for his family and work family in the days to come."