Wise County Sheriff’s Deputy dies in line-of-duty accident

WISE COUNTY – A sheriff’s deputy died in an on-duty accident Wednesday evening, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday morning.

Lex Allen Love, 26, was responding to an accident between Rhome and Decatur when he collided with a concrete barrier in a construction zone, according to the department.

“Additional officers were in the area when the accident occurred,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement. “Deputy Love was unresponsive when officers arrived at his WCSO cruiser. He was pulled from the vehicle and life-saving measures were taken.”

The department said Love began his career as a correctional officer with WCSO. He later graduated from the police academy and was hired as a patrol officer by the Decatur Police Department. In April of this year, Love returned to the sheriff’s department.

The department said Love leaves behind a beautiful and loving young family.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.