LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is in mourning after one of its deputies was killed in a crash while on his way home from work in Lake Elsinore on Thursday morning.

SkyFOX flew over the scene in Riverside County as the deputy’s body was moved into a hearse as they were saluted by fellow first responders.

Orange County officials identified the deputy as Brian Haney, who worked in the San Juan Capistrano area and was on his way home when the crash occurred. Officials said he was married with a month-old child. Haney’s age was not immediately available.

Deputy Haney was a six-year veteran of the force.

“Today, Orange County Deputy Brian Haney tragically lost his life on his way home from a shift of keeping San Juan Capistrano families safe. I’m grateful for his service, and my heart goes out to Deputy Haney’s loved ones. His young family will need our strong community support through the grief,” Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement.

San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart wrote online that he was “shocked and deeply saddened” at Haney’s death.

“I am especially devastated to learn that he leaves behind a loving wife and a newborn baby to whom he was returning home after protecting and serving our community when this terrible accident occurred,” Hart wrote. “I know my San Juan Capistrano neighbors will join me in prayers of comfort and support for Deputy Haney’s family and loved ones.”

The circumstances leading up to the crash are under investigation.

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6-year veteran of O.C. sheriff’s department killed in Lake Elsinore crash

An off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy died in a solo vehicle crash in Lake Elsinore on Thursday morning, Feb. 9, authorities said.

Cal Fire firefighters responded to the crash about 5:15 a.m. in the 25000 block of Railroad Canyon Road and found that a vehicle had hit a tree, spokeswoman Maggie De La Rosa said.

Late Thursday, a sheriff’s department statement identified the deputy as Brian Haney, a six-year veteran of the department. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Haney worked in San Juan Capistrano and at the Theo Lacy jail, according to the statement.  He also was a member of the Air Force Reserve as a senior airman.

Further details about the circumstances leading up to the crash were not immediately disclosed. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department was investigating.

Law enforcement officials late Thursday morning lined up in a procession to take Haney’s body to the coroner’s office.

“Our greatest sorrow and condolences are for the member’s family and closest friends,” Orange County sheriff’s officials said in a tweeted statement. “During this time, we are collaborating with the Riverside Sheriff’s Department as we prepare to honor our fallen member.”

Haney leaves behind a wife, Leslee, and a 1-month-old son, Cole, OCSD said in a statement.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

By Nathaniel Percy
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