Washington, GA – Glascock County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua “L.J.” Ryer died in the line of duty on Tuesday, when he crashed into another vehicle on his way to pick up a juvenile from a Washington detention center.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 p.m., after Deputy Ryer, 19, failed to stop at a stop sign before turning onto Georgia Highway 47, WRDW reported.

As he was entering the northbound lane, a second northbound vehicle collided with the driver’s side of Deputy Ryer’s vehicle, sending it spinning for over 60 feet.

Deputy Ryer died of his injuries, and the female driver of the second vehicle was transported to a hospital in Augusta, WAGA reported.

Her condition has not been released.

The Georgia State Patrol is handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal collision.

“It is [with] great sadness that I announce the death of Deputy Joshua Ryer Jr.,” Glascock County Sheriff Jeremy Kelley said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night. “Deputy Ryer was involved in a two car motor vehicle accident today…while in route to the Regional Youth Detention Center there in Washington. Deputy Ryer had not yet picked up the individual when the accident occurred.”

Deputy Ryer, an aspiring federal law enforcement officer, was hired by the GCSO on Sept. 10, 2018, Sheriff Kelley said.

“He was a great young man and [was] becoming a great officer,” the sheriff continued. “He was only with our office a short period of time but he quickly became one of our family members. He will truly be missed but absolutely never will be forgotten.”

The GCSO has closed its administrative offices for the rest of the week, while they mourn the loss of the young deputy.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to LJ’s family first and foremost. Please keep them lifted up in yours as well,” Sheriff Kelley wrote. “LJ fly high our dear friend and God speed!”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Glascock County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua “L.J.” Ryer, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.