Tenn. Sheriff's Deputy Dies in Head-On Collision while On Duty

A Tennessee sheriff's deputy died on duty following a head-on collision early Saturday.

The crash happened at about 12:30 a.m. as Macon County Sheriff's Sgt. William Cherry, 55, was traveling on a highway just north of Lafayette, WTVF-TV reports. As Cherry was headed in one direction, a vehicle traveling the opposite way crossed the road's center line and collided head on with the deputy.

Cherry died from his injuries from the crash. The driver of the other vehicle was airlifted to the hospital, and no details were released concerning the nature of his injuries or his condition.

"Today is a tragic day for the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Sgt. William Cherry. … The family and the Sheriff’s Office need all of your prayers and support," the sheriff's office stated in a social post. "Sgt. Cherry will be greatly missed by the Sheriffs Office and the citizens he served. William served the citizens of Macon County with honor and dignity."

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.