Texas Reserve Deputy Constable Killed While Directing Traffic

Heather Avery, a Jefferson County reserve deputy constable, was serving a morning traffic detail in Winnie when a tractor‑trailer struck her SUV, killing her at the scene.
Source Officer.com News
April 29, 2026
2 min read

What to know

  • A Jefferson County reserve deputy constable in Precinct 1 was killed Friday after her patrol SUV was struck from behind by a tractor‑trailer while she was directing traffic in Winnie.
  • Heather Avery, 48, had her emergency lights activated at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Officials and colleagues remembered Avery as a dedicated firearms expert and public servant, with a procession scheduled Wednesday and a funeral service set for Friday.
Jefferson County, TX, Constable's Office, Precinct 1
Heather Avery

Heather Avery, a Jefferson County, TX, reserve deputy constable for Precinct 1, was killed in a crash Friday while directing traffic in Winnie.

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A Texas reserve deputy constable was killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer last week.

The incident happened just after 7:30 a.m. Friday while Heather Avery, a Jefferson County reserve duty for Precinct 1, was directing traffic in Winnie, the Beaumont Enterprise reports. While Avery was helping with traffic control, a tractor-trailer rear-ended her SUV, which had its emergency lights activated.

Avery, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene. The tractor-trailer's driver was uninjured, and the crash is under investigation. 

"Deputy Avery was a shining example of what is good in law enforcement and was a proud member of our department," the constable's office stated in an online post.

Along with serving as a reserve deputy, Avery also worked as the training director at Freedom Firearms & Defense, a Beaumont gun range, according to owner Drew Davidson.

"Deputy Avery was a shining example of what is good in law enforcement and was a proud member of our department," the constable's office stated in an online post.

Along with serving as a reserve deputy, Avery also worked as the training director at Freedom Firearms & Defense, a Beaumont gun range, according to owner Drew Davidson.

"Her commitment, courage and wit were unmatched," Davidson stated in a social media post. "We ask that you keep Heather’s family, loved ones and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Heather, we are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten."

A procession is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday.

"I am heartbroken over this loss and join in mourning with her family and loved ones," Jefferson County Precinct 1 Constable Jeovonne Pollard said in a statement. "Although Deputy Avery was a reserve, she relished her role in my office as a firearms expert. My deepest condolences go to her husband, Troy, and her family."

 

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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