DPS identifies other driver involved in fatal crash with Wood County deputy

WOOD COUNTY, Texas — A Wood County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed in a crash Wednesday.

Deputy Melissa Pollard died after she was involved in a crash with a semi around 10 a.m. between Quitman and Winnsboro at the intersection of Highway 37 and FM 14, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. 

The preliminary crash report released by the Texas Department of Public Safety states the semi, driven by Alejandro Rodriguez, 41, of Tyler, was traveling southbound on State Highway 37, attempting to make a left turn onto FM 14. At that time, DPS says Pollard’s unity ran into the back of the semi. 

Pollard was taken to UT Health Quitman, where she died from her injuries. 

“Please pray for the Pollard family, Wood County Sheriff’s Office family and all other parties involved in this tragedy,” the statement read.

In a statement, the Texas Municipal Police Association said the organization is deeply saddened to hear the deputy died while on duty Wednesday morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the deputy’s family, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” the TMPA said.

Pollard began her career in law enforcement at the Collin County Sheriff’s Office before moving on to Fannin County. 

“Our prayers and condolences to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office,” Fannin County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook. “Please keep the family and agency in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragedy.”

Pollard joined the Wood County Sheriff’s Office in April 2016. She’s been described by the community as very loved and someone who was family oriented and always there when someone was in need. 

Those looking to support the Pollard family can do so here.

DPS says the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

CBS19 will update this story as more information becomes available.