By Jenna Farhat
The Sun News
CONWAY, S.C. — The Horry County Sheriff’s Office announced funeral plans for fallen corrections officer L. Cpl. Richard DeJesus, who died Wednesday in a motorcycle collision with another vehicle.
DeJesus’ visitation is scheduled for Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach, according to Chief Deputy Tom Fox. The visitation will be followed by a funeral that will be held outside the funeral home, under the carport.
The services are open to the public and the sheriff’s office urges attendees to follow COVID-19 pandemic safety precautions.
DeJesus and another corrections officer were traveling north on motorcycles along Highway 707 near the Lowes Foods when a car attempted to cross over the highway from a private driveway. DeJesus and the other officer collided into the side of the vehicle, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The crash, which happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday in Socastee, killed DeJesus and left the other corrections officer with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the vehicle has been issued a traffic ticket and a $155 fine for failing to yield right of way, said SCHP Master Trooper Brian Lee.
He said that while the death is a tragedy, it was an accident.
“They just made a mistake ... and as a result of their mistake, a death has occurred,” he said.
The sheriff’s office said DeJesus joined the department in 2017 and was devoted to his career and family.
“Richard was a kind, humble and loving family man with a bright smile and servant’s heart,” an Horry County Sheriff’s Office news release said. “He was always engaging and encouraging to those around him. Richard was a doting father, a loving husband, and a wonderful son and son-in-law. His dedication and service will be a shining example to all who had the pleasure to serve alongside him. We ask for prayers for Officer DeJesus’s family and our injured officer at this time.”
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(c)2021 The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)