Schertz, TX – Comal County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Horn died in the line of duty on Thursday, when he suffered a medical emergency while driving his patrol vehicle.

Deputy Horn, 44, had just completed his mandatory physical fitness testing, and was on his way home in his patrol car when the medical episode struck, KENS reported.

The 11-year veteran-of-the-force collided with two vehicles, one of which he hit head-on, Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said.

“As the witness stated…he appeared to be having a medical episode,” the sheriff explained. “He hit another car head-on and then a third vehicle was involved.”

Deputy Horn was rushed to the Northeast Methodist Hospital, where he died just before 6 p.m., The Seguin Gazette reported.

One other driver involved in the collision was also transported to the hospital due to non-life threatening injuries, according to KENS.

“Our hearts are heavy and saddened today with the passing of Deputy Ray Horn last night,” the Comal County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said in a statement, according to The Seguin Gazette. “Our sincerest condolences are with his wife and family and the occupants and families of the other vehicles involved.”

Sheriff Reynolds said the CCSO is close-knit, and that everyone is reeling from the abrupt loss of Deputy Horn.

“There was that empty space,” he told KENS. “I know all of them, so when you walk the hall and you talk to people on a daily basis it means something. You know, they are just not badge numbers. I know them, I know their families.”

“I think that was one of the most difficult things last night…to walk into the hospital and see his wife, his sister and his mother at his side,” Sheriff Reynolds told KSAT.

Deputy Horn was known for his “chipper personality,” and he “always had a smile on his face,” the sheriff added, according to KENS.

“We’re going to miss that,” he said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Comal County Sheriff’s Deputy Ray Horn, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

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