A longtime Texas deputy died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while on duty.

Smith County Sheriff's Deputy Gerald Atchison Jr. was working at agency headquarters in Tyler at around 2 p.m. in his role as a property and evidence technician when he collapsed, the sheriff's office stated in a news release posted to social media. His colleagues began performing until medics arrived, but Atchison remained unconscious.

He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Atchison is thought to have suffered "a massive coronary event," according to the sheriff's office.

Atchison joined the sheriff's office in September 2003 as a jail detention officer. After graduating from the police academy and earning his Peace Officer License, Atchison was eventually promoted to the Patrol Division, and he served in a variety of roles during his time with the agency. 

Atchison is survived by his wife and son, "who are devastated by this sudden and unexpected passing of their husband and father," the sheriff's office stated.