On-duty deputy killed in 2-car crash, 1 in serious condition

AUSTIN (AP) — A Texas sheriff’s deputy died in a two-car crash Wednesday that left another person in serious condition, officials said.

Travis County Sheriff's Sr. Deputy Christopher Korzilius, 32, died while on duty after his unmarked Ford Escape traveling eastbound on FM 2244 collided with an Infiniti heading in the opposite direction, the Travis County Sheriff's Office said.

Korzilius’ car rolled off the road and landed on its roof. Medics found him pinned inside the car, according to Austin-Travis County EMS, which responded to the scene around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday.

Korzilius died at the scene, the medics said, becoming the eighth TCSO deputy to die on duty, according to sheriff's office. The other person involved in the crash is now hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

At the time of the crash, Korzilius was assigned to TCSO’s VICE unit, which investigates narcotics, human trafficking, prostitution and illegal gambling.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and the TCSO Highway Enforcement and Accident Team unit are investigating the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

Korzilius joined TCSO in 2016 and conducted the night shift patrol in eastern Travis County, according to TCSO. He was promoted to Sr. Deputy in 2018 and joined the VICE unit in January.

Korzilius’ funeral arrangements are pending, the sheriff’s office said.