Veteran Texas Sheriff's Deputy Dies after Crashing into Tree

A veteran Texas deputy died after losing control of his vehicle and crashing over the weekend.

Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Ronald Bates was traveling southwest of Houston's downtown at around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday when the crash happened, KTRK-TV reports. Bates had just finished an overtime assignment and was headed to the Harris County Jail, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

Bates was traveling along Travis Street when a bystander said the deputy lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. Bates was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

"(Bates was) a man that was very much loved and respected by all," said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. "Just everybody was reminiscing about different conversations. They say he was a great father, a great husband, and a great mentor, a great friend. We're united as a family to try to surround his immediate family with a lot of love and support as best we can - as we grieve also."

Bates had been with the sheriff's office for 31 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.