N.C. Deputy Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Tractor-Trailer

A North Carolina deputy died Tuesday in multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer

Harnett County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Johnson was killed as he was traveling along a road in Lillington shortly before 3 p.m., WRAL-TV reports. That's when the deputy's vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer.

The impact of the crash sent the deputy's car into three other vehicles on the roadway. The deputy was pronounced dead at the scene, and two people were rushed to the hospital with injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.

The crash closed down the roadway in both directions. It was set to be closed for several hours, and the North Carolina State Police are investigating the crash.

"As we mourn the untimely loss of Deputy Johnson, we recognize the impact he has had on the community where he lived, but also the community in which he served," the Harnett County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. 

Johnson, 51, had served only 16 months with the agency, where he worked as school resource officer for Highland Middle School. 

"We are grateful for his service to our students and staff," the school district said in a statement. "He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Before joining the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office for 16 months, Johnson worked for the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years and the Dunn Police Department for nine years.

"It's a big loss. Due to the nature of his death, it's really tragic," said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thorton.