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Off-Duty ECSO Deputy From Cantonment Killed By Alleged DUI Driver Near Laurel Hill
October 17, 2022
An off-duty Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy died and his daughter were seriously injured when their SUV was hit by an alleged drunk driver in Okaloosa County Saturday night.
Master Deputy Kevin Ray of Cantonment and his 15-year old daughter were traveling from Troy, Alabama, when the crash occurred on Highway 85 just east of Laurel Hill, Florida.
Ray had been a member of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office family for over 20 years. He has been assigned to courthouse security for over 10 years.
“We ask that our community joins us in continued prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time,” the ECSO said in a statement.
A 26-year old man from the Dallas area, Tristen Cole Parker, failed to stop at a stop sign, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Parker’s pickup truck traveled from Robinson Road into the intersection and collided with the side of the SUV driven by Ray.
Ray was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash at 8:37 p.m. Saturday. His daughter was airlifted to an area hospital in serious condition.
Parker was transported by ambulance to the hospital with minor injuries. He is charged with negligent DUI vehicular manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and driving with a suspended license habitual offender. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail without bond.
Comments
18 Responses to “Off-Duty ECSO Deputy From Cantonment Killed By Alleged DUI Driver Near Laurel Hill”
This is a terrible loss to our legal community and for everyone who knew Kevin. Kevin was a wonderfully gifted and caring man, kind and courteous in every way to courthouse personnel, and to citizens alike who had business there.
Everyone respected the quiet but firm way he went about doing his job. Kevin was a very good and decent man, which is one of the highest compliments that can be said about any of us.
My sincere and deeply heartfelt condolences to his wife and family, and prayers for his daughter.
See you on the other side, Kevin. God Bless. You were a good man.
Mike
Praying for the young lady for healing and comfort.
And for the DUI driver who murdered her father, may he rot in hell.
Anyone who drives drunk you are the lowest scum on earth because you are selfish and care only for yourself. You should really think twice before you put others lives in danger all so you can be selfish.
I’m so sorry for the family !!! My GOD bless this DEPUTY !!! I’m just at a total loss for words!!!!
It is such a tragedy hearing about losing a deputy. Alot of the deputies that I know are hurt from losing a fellow brother. I have heard about his at church she is really in need of prayers. Please pray for the family and ECSO to heal from this tragic incident and lose.
Master deputy Kevin Ray is 10-7 for the last time, end of watch october 15th 2022. Master deputy Kevin ray as you were such an amazing deputy and father. The lord has called you home, we got it from here brother
So sad for the Ray family. Painful recovery for the daughter and life long reminders. No dad to watch her graduation or walk down the aisle on her wedding day. No grandpa to play with the kids. His wife is a widow now and a hard road. She feared hearing bad news while he was on duty, and it comes from a short trip by a sensless drunk individual.. Pray for both you ladies.
Master Deputy Ray was an amazing man and officer.
If you were fortunate to know Kevin, you loved him.
The Lord has called Kevin home. He has a higher calling for this angel in heaven.
Prayers for his precious daughter on a full recovery.
Sgt. Cathy McDonald (retired)
This truly makes me ill. A repeat offender with a suspended license takes the life of a wonderful man, asset to his community, father and husband. A child has a very painful journey ahead to recover from her injuries. When will the Judges that keep dumping these repeat offenders on the streets be held accountable. When will people overhaul the justices system and hold The Parker’s of the world accountable……….please say a prayer for this wonderful family from Cantonment.
@Mike, so well said.
God bless the entire family. God hold you in His arms and give you strength.
Hang him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thoughts and prayers for the officer’s daughter that she will recover completely. . Driving intoxicated or on drugs or even texting is a NO NO. So WHY would you endanger yourself and others knowing that at any given moment it could be YOU???
I was so sorry to hear of Deputy Kevin’s tragic life ending accident. He spent his life protecting the community and showing true human respect to all of those with whom he came in contact with at the courthouse where I was able to work with him and be around him. He protected even those who were charged with similar crimes as the driver who took his life.
God bless you, Kevin and your family and millions of prayers are being raised for your daughter.
Terrible and sad loss for the courthouse . Great guy !
Parker will get Life. My condolences and prayers for Deputy Ray’s family and friends. RIP!!!!!
Prayers for his daughter for a speedy recovery.
Parker should be kept in prison for the rest of his life. He should be made to keep a picture of Deputy Ray on the wall of his cell forever. Prayers for Deputy Ray and his daughter.
I am just so had to hear of the passing of this deputy. He was always in court when I would be in there for hearings. Such sad news for a great guy.
What a selfish act by an individual. You took a life and altered another over a dumb decision. I really hope that drink was worth it and this eats at whatever conscious you have left.
Of course the drunk driver lives. Prayers for the family!
Praying for the family of the deceased and praying for the teenager.