Governor Asa Hutchinson has offered his condolences to the family of Independence County Sheriff’s Deputy Frank Ramirez, who died in a one-car accident Thursday Nov. 17 as he responded to an emergency call.
According to the Arkansas State Police report, the fatal crash happened early Thursday morning at 12:50 a.m. on State Highway 14 in rural Independence County. Patrol Deputy Frank Ramirez, 29, of Batesville was eastbound when he lost control of his 2018 Dodge Charger on a curve. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a culvert on the driver’s side then became airborne. The car overturned before coming to a final rest on its top.
According to the report, it was raining and the road conditions were wet at the time of the crash. The sheriff’s office said in a social media post that Ramirez was married with two children.
Governor Hutchinson has ordered the United States Flag and state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff in tribute to the memory of Deputy Ramirez. Flags are to remain at half-staff until the day of interment.
“Deputy Frank Ramirez lost his life in service to his community,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “Susan and I are praying for the comfort of Deputy Ramirez’s wife, two children, extended family, and fellow deputies. Deputy Ramirez’s death is a reminder that there is no such thing as a routine assignment for a police officer. I am grateful that in spite of that risk, hundreds of Arkansas officers such as Deputy Ramirez choose law enforcement as a career and go to work every day to assist and protect the rest of us.”
