PALM BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the fallen deputies who tragically passed away during a crash on Thursday.

Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller were killed in a major crash on Southern Boulevard in Palm Beach County. The crash also injured Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who underwent surgery later that day and is currently in the ICU.

According to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the deputies were riding their department-issued motorcycles when they pulled off to the shoulder due to one of the deputies having a problem with his bike.

A woman driving an SUV had veered off into the shoulder after coming upon a vehicle driving slower than her, causing her to strike all three deputies, sending them “airborne.”

  • Corporal Luis Paez (Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller (Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)
  • Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz (Credit: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)

Rushed to the hospital, Corporal Paez and Deputy Sheriff Waller died from their injuries.

“When a deputy dies, a piece of the community dies with them,” the sheriff said.

According to the governor’s office, Corporal Paez began his service in 1988 as a Corrections Deputy, before serving as a Motor Deputy for more than 20 years. Deputy Sheriff Waller served with Royal Palm Beach police before transitioning to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 2008.

“These brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered for their courage and service,” the governor’s office said.

Starting Friday at 3 p.m. to sunset, the United States flag and the State of Florida flag will be flown in Palm Beach County at half-staff to honor the fallen deputies. The flags will also be at half-staff on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from sunrise to sunset.