Fatal Deputy-Involved Crash in Lealman (24-091)

LEALMAN - Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a fatal deputy-involved crash in Lealman.

According to investigators, on July 14, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Deputy Lira-Rangel was driving his fully marked agency-issued Chevrolet Tahoe southbound on 49th Street North in the median lane. Investigators say that as Deputy Lira-Rangel approached 58th Avenue North, an unknown female in a red pickup truck, traveling northbound, pointed toward the southbound lanes of 49th Street ahead of Deputy Lira-Rangel, as if she was attempting to alert him to something, ultimately turning his attention from the road. As this was occurring, Deputy Lira-Rangel felt a bump in the road. He immediately stopped and exited his vehicle to investigate and discovered 73-year-old Mark Hunter lying in the roadway in the median lane.

Throughout the course of the investigation, deputies learned a witness observed Hunter sitting in the southbound median lane of 49th Street prior to the accident and was alert but appeared confused. Hunter was not in a designated crosswalk.

Hunter was pronounced deceased at the scene, and Next of Kin has been notified.

Speed does not appear to be a factor in this case, and it is unknown at this time if impairment was a factor for Hunter.

The investigation continues.

Summary:

Deputy Lira-Rangel (Driver - Uninjured)
Date of Hire: 08/09/2020
Age: 33

Mark Hunter (Pedestrian - Deceased)
DOB: 06/12/1951
Address: 2257 World Parkway Boulevard West #35, Clearwater