Deputy dies after vehicle hits him on highway while assisting others at crash scene

A deputy in Texas was killed as he was assisting a crash scene in Harris County Tuesday morning. (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

Harris County, Texas

A Texas deputy was killed after he was struck by a vehicle in Harris County Tuesday morning.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy John Coddou, 50, was assisting fellow first responders at a crash scene on Highway 99 when he was hit by a passing vehicle.

Coddou was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital but he later died.

“It is a sad day in Harris County as we mourn the loss of a deputy who died in the line of duty. We share our sorrow with his family & his extended family, the women & men who put their lives on the line every day to keep our county safe,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Coddou was a 20-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Fellow members of law enforcement stood at attention as his body arrived at the medical examiner’s office.

The crash caused the highway to be shut down in both directions for several hours.

Authorities did not immediately report if the driver who struck the deputy would be facing any charges.

‘We are shocked’: College football player found dead in his apartment

Texas A&M University-Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller has died at age 23. (Texas A&M University-Commerce)

Commerce, Texas

A university in Texas is mourning the loss of one of its student-athletes.

According to Texas A&M University-Commerce, wide receiver Keith Miller died at age 23.

“It is with great sadness that Texas A&M University-Commerce announces the passing of football student-athlete Keith Miller,” the university shared.

Representatives with the college said that Miller died on April 11 in his apartment near campus.

“We are heartbroken by Keith’s unexpected passing,” said head coach Clint Dolezel. “Keith was a beloved father, son, teammate, and student-athlete. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him at this very difficult time.”

Miller was a two-year member of the Lion football program and served as a team captain in the 2023 season.

School representatives said he was known for his infectious smile and personality.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Keith Miller. The A&M-Commerce community extends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and those who knew and loved him,” said Jim Curry, athletics director at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

3-year-old child dies after being found unresponsive in pond, police say

Oklahoma police say a 3-year-old died after being found unresponsive in a pond at Hillcrest Country Club. (GoFundMe)

Tulsa, Okla.

Oklahoma authorities say a child has died after falling into a pond at a country club this week.

According to the Bartlesville Police Department, a 3-year-old boy was found unresponsive in a pond at Hillcrest Country Club on Tuesday.

Officers said the child was reported missing from the family’s backyard before his body was found about an hour later.

KOTV reports that family members later identified the boy as Liam Rowland.

The boy’s body was pulled from the pond and he was transported to the hospital, but he did not survive.

Liam’s grandmother said he was playing in the backyard when got through a hole at the bottom of the fence. She also said he was on the autism spectrum and nonverbal, KJRH reported.

A family friend has started a GoFundMe in Liam’s name. They said he had just turned 3 years old on Monday.

“Liam’s family are all devastated by Liam’s loss and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. Liam’s family want to give Liam the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say their final goodbyes,” GoFundMe organizer Braden Watts shared.

6-year-old girl killed after family vehicle crashes head-on with semitruck, reports say

Alivia Lloyd, 6, died after a semitruck collided with a pickup truck in Utah over the weekend. (GoFundMe)

Tucker, Utah

A 6-year-old girl has reportedly died in Utah after a crash with a semitruck.

According to multiple reports, the crash occurred at about 5 a.m. last Sunday on Highway 6 when a Dodge pickup truck drifted into the other travel lane and collided with the semitruck head-on.

The 6-year-old girl, later identified as Alivia Lloyd, died at the scene. The drivers involved were transported by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

Family members have since started a GoFundMe account in memory of Alivia.

“Alivia was a radiant beacon of joy, leaving an unforgettable glow in the hearts of all who knew her,” the family shared. “Survived by her loving parents, Zachary and Kylie Lloyd, and her siblings, Conner, Zaiden, and Maevis Lloyd. Alivia’s memory will forever live in their hearts.”

Utah Highway Patrol said drowsy driving may have been the cause of the crash, KSTU reported.

Bald eagle chick killed by father within hours of hatching

An eaglet that recently hatched at a conservation center in West Virginia has died. (National Conservation Training Center)

Shepherdstown, W.Va.

A chick that was hatched earlier this week has died after unexpected behavior from its father.

According to the National Conservation Training Center, the bald eagle chick hatched in a nest at the facility Monday at about 11:30 a.m.

The eaglet enjoyed its first meal at about 5 p.m. but sadly the conservation center said it would be its last.

About a couple of hours after the feeding, the father reportedly seemed confused and was rough with the chick before ultimately consuming the hatchling.

“Just about two hours after the female gently fed fish to the eaglet, the male bald eagle returned to the nest and exhibited unexpected behavior,” representatives with the center said.

The team shared that bird behavior is complex and driven by hormones and instinct.

“It is best not to think of birds of prey in human terms and having human emotions. Bald eagles are naturally predatory and aggressive; that’s the only way they can survive,” the team said.

The center called the chick’s death heartbreaking but said that it is not uncommon for birds of prey to attack or even eat their young and it is something that has been seen in other nests.

“This difficult event offers a valuable lesson about the circle of life. Nature can be wonderful and very harsh — at the same time,” the team said.

The chick’s death comes just days after the team shared a video of its mother eagle protecting her eggs during a thunderstorm.