MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County deputy remains in the hospital in extremely critical condition after a motorcycle crash Tuesday morning, according to the sheriff's office.
"The community is encouraged to keep this brave deputy in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time," said a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Thursday afternoon. "The deputy's family has expressed gratitude for the community's support. They are requesting continued prayers for strength and healing as they navigate this difficult situation."
The deputy was one of two injured Tuesday morning in separate crashes on Highway 64, authorities said.
Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) investigators said Wednesday that two drivers were cited in the crashes.
A spokesperson with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) said a deputy riding a motorcycle was hit by another vehicle just before 7 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2024, at Highway 64 and Cobb Road. That deputy was taken to Regional One Health in non-critical condition and released later that afternoon.
According to THP investigators, the driver of the vehicle pulled onto Highway 64 when they struck the motorcycle. That driver was cited for failure to exercise due care.
While driving toward the accident on Highway 64, the SCSO spokesperson said another deputy was struck by a vehicle on Highway 64, just east of Houston Levee. First responders took the second deputy to Regional One in critical condition.
According to the THP report, the driver in the second crash had pulled out onto Highway 64 in front of the deputy's motorcycle, causing the deputy to hit the vehicle. That driver was cited for failure to yield the right of way.
Law enforcement closed the highway in both directions between Houston Levee Road and Cobb Road, and reopened the area around 9:15 a.m.
Shelby County Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said Tuesday, Oct. 15, the second deputy was on life support, and that the next two days would be "touch and go." Buckner said the deputies' families were asking for prayers from the community.
A SCSO spokesperson said the deputy was still in extreme critical condition as of Monday, Oct. 21.
"Right now, we need prayers," Buckner said.
