ABC News (HARDEE COUNTY, Fla.) — A sheriff’s deputy and a corrections officer were among those killed as Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida.
Julie Bridges, a 13-year member of the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, died in a two-car accident while driving home Sunday morning following a night shift, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Department of Corrections Sgt. Joseph Ossman, who was driving the other car involved in the crash, also died, according to a statement from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Florida Highway Patrol said Ossman was on his way to work Sunday morning when the accident occurred.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, visibility was low and it was raining at the time of the accident. The department is continuing to urge the public not to drive and to seek shelter as Irma moves up the state’s western coast.
At least four others have died in Florida.
Two people were killed in Monroe County, which includes the Florida Keys. One person was found dead in a home in Shark Key. Another man was killed after he lost control of a truck that carried a generator as winds whipped at tropical-storm strength, officials said.
One person died from carbon monoxide poisoning after improper use of a generator in Miami-Dade County, the mayor said.
Another fatality resulted from a car crash in central Florida’s Orange County.
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.