A Montgomery County deputy sheriff critically injured in an on-duty crash earlier this week has died.
Deputy Jermyius Young, 21, died Friday night at UAB Hospital in Birmingham.
“Deputy Young was a fine law enforcement officer,’’ Sheriff Derrick Cunningham said in a press release. “He was loyal, unselfish and efficient.”
The deputy had worked with the sheriff’s office since he was 18.
The wreck happened at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the 4500 block of Hobbie Road. Young was on duty and driving his patrol vehicle at the time of the crash.
Additional details have not been released.
Young was taken to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery in critical condition. He was later transferred to UAB.
Cunningham said Young died Friday evening surrounded by his family.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Cunningham thanked the firefighters of South Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, Haynes Ambulance, and the medical personnel at Baptist South and UAB hospitals for their care of Young.
“Please continue to pray for Deputy Young’s family and friends during this tragic time in their lives,’’ the sheriff said.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor released this statement following Young’s death:
“As we wake this morning, our hearts are heavy as tragedy has struck the entire law enforcement community. Last night, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Jermyius Young lost the fight to recovery after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a single-vehicle crash while on patrol on Wednesday, April 3. At only 21 years of age, Deputy Young proudly dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Montgomery County. We offer our sincerest condolences to Deputy Young’s family, friends and to everyone at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult time. This tragic event reminds us that life is truly sacred and that we must cherish the precious moments we have with our loved ones.
Along with our compassion and sympathies, we pledge to make all resources available to the Sheriff Derrick Cunningham and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office as well as the surrounding community as they grieve this unfortunate and heartbreaking loss.”
