Holly MatkinCooper City, FL – Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Captain Tyrone White died in a two-vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon.
The 59-year-old off-duty captain was traveling with his wife, Lisa, in the 11800-block of Griffin Road when the collision occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, WBTS reported.
Lisa was making a left-hand turn onto Southwest 118th Avenue when the driver of an eastbound Subaru slammed into the passenger side of their 2014 Volkswagen Passat, according to the Miami Herald.
The couple’s vehicle crashed into a curb and flipped over, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) said.
The Subaru collided with a traffic-control box and started on fire.
The driver, 32-year-old Daniel Chamberlin, suffered minor injuries in the crash, the Miami Herald reported.
Lisa was airlifted to Memorial Regional Hospital, where she remains in critical condition, WBTS reported.
Capt. White died of his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
Capt. White is the father of New England Patriots running back James White, who learned about his father’s death shortly before Sunday night’s game, WBTS reported.
The team later announced that James wouldn’t be playing due to personal reasons.
“I’m extremely saddened after learning of the passing of MDPD Captain Tyrone White earlier today as a result of an off-duty traffic crash in Broward County,” MDPD Director Alfredo Ramirez tweeted later that evening. “I offered his family my deepest condolences on behalf of his MDPD family. May he rest in eternal peace. Thank you for your service Capt. White.”
Capt. White joined the MDPD in 1983, according to the Miami Herald.
The former college football player served as a school resource officer at Norland High School early in his career, and easily connected with students through sports activities.
MDPD Lieutenant Steve Czyzewski said that Capt. White “was an influential mentor” to him when he was a high school student, the Miami Herald reported.
“I can name five, maybe even 10, students in high school that all became police officers,” Lt. Czyzewski said. “He was very firm and stern — but a lot of the kids took to him because you could see, behind all of that, he was a great man, a good-hearted gentle giant.”
Capt. White was an instrumental figure in charity football games between MDPD and the Miami Police Department, according to the Miami Herald.
He also spent years running a police flag football program, and competed in charity sporting events across the state.
“There wasn’t a sport he couldn’t play,” MDPD Captain Elise Dillard told the Miami Herald.
Capt. White served in a variety of capacities during his decades with the department, including working in the homicide, warrants, and robbery bureaus.
“He did not accept mediocrity,” MDPD Major Sam Bronson told the paper. “If his name was going to be on a document, he wanted it to be the best.”
“He was a fierce stand-up guy. If you wanted the truth, he could be brutally honest,” Capt. Dillard added.
Thank you for your service Capt. White. My sincere appreciation also goes out to @browardsheriff for your professionalism during this difficult time. @bsosherifftony
— Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@MDPD_Director) September 20, 2020
The couple’s friend confirmed this is Captain Tyrone White in Miami Dade Police Department photos from 2015. Past Facebook posts show how dedicated he was to his profession & serving his community. Rest In Peace, sir. https://t.co/W1sNul7kiJ pic.twitter.com/CfxupZoTP1
— Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) September 21, 2020
I just heard the horrible news that Miami-Dade Police Captain, Tyrone White, died at the scene of a car accident this afternoon! I am so saddened by this tragedy. Captain White was a true friend, a gentleman and a brilliant crime fighter. We will miss you immensely Captain White! pic.twitter.com/cnLDlMzDr1
— Rachel Tourgeman (@OnPointWithRT) September 21, 2020
saddened to hear of the passing of one of MDPD Captain Tyrone White. We pray for the Repose of his Soul and that he Rest In Eternal Peace. pic.twitter.com/rWaMIdDtBF
— MR.LUIS ZUBIETA (@Luz1706) September 21, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Miami-Dade Police Department Captain Tyrone White, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
