Holly MatkinSan Patricio County, TX – Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Noah Calderon and his fiancé were killed when an 18-wheeler crashed into their pickup truck on Aug. 12.
The 20-year-old deputy was the youngest person to ever be hired by the sheriff’s office, KSAT reported.
The tragic collision occurred as Deputy Calderon was traveling with his fiancé, 21-year-old Samantha Grace Handy, and his younger brother, 13-year-old Luke, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
As they approached the intersection of FM 796 and Texas 188, a tanker truck slammed into their vehicle, San Patricio Sheriff Oscar Rivera told the paper.
The driver of the 18-wheeler may have ran through a red light, according to Sheriff Rivera.
Samantha died on impact, the sheriff said.
“[Noah] was able to get himself up, crawl to his brother,” the fallen deputy’s father, BCSO Sergeant Edward Calderon, told KSAT. “He crawled to his fiancée and tried to save them, but he just couldn’t have the strength.”
Deputy Calderon died at the scene, Sheriff Rivera told the San Antonio Express-News.
A helicopter rushed Luke to University Hospital in San Antonio.
The critically-injured teen was admitted to the intensive care unit, and is paralyzed from the waist down due to his injuries, KSAT reported.
“We are deeply torn apart and still face a miracle for my 13-year-old Luke to fully recover,” Deputy Calderon’s family said in a statement, according to the San Antonio Express-News. “He’s in ICU and needs several surgeries.”
The fatal crash remains under investigation, and it is unknown whether or not the driver of the tanker truck will face any charges.
Sgt. Calderon said he is proud to know that his son’s last act of bravery was to try to help those he loved, KSAT reported.
“Noah, I love you, I’m proud of you, and I’m proud to be your dad,” Sgt. Calderon said.
Deputy Calderon joined BCSO at just 18 years old, KSAT reported.
Sgt. Calderon said that his son was destined to be a law enforcement officer.
“His heart was just there, full of joy, and he loved his job. He really did,” the sergeant said. “He’s going to be truly missed by all of us.”
Deputy Calderon was slated to begin the Basic Peace Officer’s Academy later this month.
“Our community lost a young man that was absolutely going to run this agency one of these days,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told the San Antonio Express-News.
Sgt. Calderon said he’s confident his son would have been at the top of his academy class, KSAT reported.
He said it is “an honor to have a son that’s done so much in his life in the 20 years that he was here,” KSAT reported.
The young deputy was assigned to the BCSO Adult Detention Center at the time of his death.
“As an agency, we mourn the loss of a great man and a brother in blue,” Sheriff Salazar said, according to KSAT. “I ask that you keep Noah’s family, friends and everyone affected in your prayers.”
A few years ago at age 18, Noah Calderon became the youngest ever BCSO deputy.
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Tragically he and his fiancé Samantha died in a car accident last week. His younger brother Luke was also in the car and is now recovering from his injuries. pic.twitter.com/Grspx4ir9k— Amanda Henderson (@AmandaHTV) August 23, 2020
The San Patricio County Sheriff's Office says Bexar County Sheriff's Deputy Noah Calderon and his fiancee died in a crash with a tanker truck last night.
"It appears that a tanker truck may have failed to yield & collided with the victims," Sheriff Rivera says. pic.twitter.com/GCeeEBCXMA
— Mariah Medina (@MMedinanews) August 13, 2020
Vigil being held tonight at 7 at Miracle Center Church to remember the lives of Bexar County Deputy Noah Calderon and his fiancee Samantha Handy, who died in a car crash on Wednesday. Noah's brother, Luke,was taken to the hospital with critical injuries. @KENS5 #kens5eyewitness pic.twitter.com/wT6Qyvw1uW
— Zack Briggs (@ZackBriggsNews) August 15, 2020
Honor escort to San Antonio for fallen Deputy Noah Calderon. pic.twitter.com/gSYvkW0BEy
— Jared Cruz-Aedo (@jaredcruzaedo) August 14, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Noah Calderon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
