Nacogdoches, TX – Nacogdoches County Deputy Raymond “Boo-Boo” Bradley Jimmerson was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 5, when he was struck by two vehicles as he was clearing debris from a roadway.

Deputy Jimmerson, 49, responded to a report of an obstruction on US Highway 259 approximately seven miles north of town at 6:30 a.m., KTRE reported.

He arrived to find a bumper in the roadway, so he began removing the hazard to protect motorists, Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges told KTRE.

According to investigators, Deputy Jimmerson was struck by a passenger car, which tossed him into the path of an oncoming SUV, the Star-Telegram reported.

The emergency dispatcher began receiving calls about the multi-vehicle collision at 6:46 a.m., according to KDFM.

Justice of the Peace Kerry Don Williamson pronounced the deputy dead at the scene.

“It is with great sorrow that I report that a Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Deputy was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning,” Sheriff Bridges said, according to KFDM.

“Deputy Jimmerson was a beloved member of our community and will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” the sheriff said in a statement to KTRE. “He served our community with distinction and honor. He will leave behind a deep void within our law enforcement family and community.”

“Right now, I think we’re just kind of in a state of shock,” he told KTRE. “We realize what happened. Obviously, we’re grieving.”

Deputy Jimmerson, a 19-year veteran of the department, had served as a law enforcement officer for over two decades, KDFM reported.

“He’s carrying out normal duties of what a deputy or police officer or a highway patrol trooper does every day,” the sheriff continued. “You just never know…It just shows the dangers of our profession and what we encounter – routine things that are not such routine.”

In addition to his full-time job, Deputy Jimmerson often worked security positions after he completed his regular shifts, KTRE reported.

“If you knew him, you couldn’t help but like him,” Sheriff Bridges said with a smile. “Even if he arrested you. People he arrested liked Brad by the time they got into jail…He was just a great guy.”

The sheriff’s office parked Deputy Jimmerson’s patrol vehicle on the agency’s front lawn in the wake of his death, and invited members of the community to stop by to honor his memory.

“There are truly no words of what to say at this moment, but wanted to let each of you know of how grateful we are to live in such a great, compassionate community who supports [their] officers,” the department said in a Facebook post. “We feel your love and prayers and are extremely thankful for that.”

In 2006, Deputy Jimmerson was named Peace Officer of the year, and had recently earned his Master Peace Officer License, according to his obituary.

“’Boo Boo’, as most everyone knew him, was the epitome of an ‘East Texas boy,’” the obituary read. “His kind heart and loving manner was an inspiration to many.”

“This spirit of loving compassion is what led him to his career in law enforcement…. The sense of family between his brothers and sisters in uniform, and the comradery they shared was infinite,” the tribute continued. “Boo Boo will be greatly missed, not only by his family and close friends, but by his ‘Thin Blue Line’ family that forever will have a void in their daily lives.”

Deputy Jimmerson and his fiancé, Tiffany Layton, planned to marry in 2019. He also leaves behind his parents, brother, grandmother, and many friends and extended family members.

Deputy Jimmerson was laid to rest on Wednesday, according to the sheriff’s office.