Holly MatkinGeismar, LA – East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy John DePedro died in a motorcycle crash on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred just after 12 p.m., near the intersection of Highway 73 and Highway 30, WAFB reported.
Deputy DePedro, 36, was headed southbound on a 2017 Harley Davidson Roadster, when attempted to pass a vehicle in a no-passing zone, according to the Louisiana State Police (LSP).
The deputy was thrown from the motorcycle when it hit a raised speed bump in the center turn lane.
The bike then skidded across the highway, and collided with a 2000 Toyota Tacoma that was traveling northbound.
Deputy DePedro was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Another off-duty deputy was also riding with him, but was not injured in the crash.
Deputy DePedro served the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for 11 years, and was assigned to the Special Community Anti-Crime Team at the time of his death, East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said in a Facebook post.
He was also a U.S. Navy veteran, who served two tours in Iraq, according to his obituary.
During the devastating floods of 2016, Deputy DePedro was one of many first responders who rushed to help other citizens, even as his own home was being lost to the raging water.
“That’s what we do,” he told WBRZ at the time. “We help the citizens.”
Sheriff Gautreaux said that Deputy DePedro was “a dedicated public servant” who will be “greatly missed.”
“My heart breaks for his wife Dawn and two children, and all of those that loved him,” the sheriff’s Facebook post read. “I am grateful that in celebrating Easter this weekend, we are reminded of God’s promise that we will see those we love again someday. Please remember John’s family in your prayers.”
In addition to his wife and children, Kamden and Alianna, Deputy DePedro is also survived by his parents, sister, grandparents, and many friends and extended family members, according to his obituary.
He will be laid to rest on Thursday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy John DePedro, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.