Texas authorities on Friday found the body of a sheriff’s deputy whose patrol car was swept away by floodwaters a day before.
The body of Travis County sheriff’s Senior Deputy Jessica Hollis, 35, a seven-year veteran of the force, was found by search teams at 2 p.m. in Lake Austin, the sheriff’s office said. Her patrol car was found nearby.
“I told (Hollis’ family) we would bring her home,” Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton told NBC reporters, his eyes filling with tears, after the grim find. “But we wanted to bring her home alive. She had been out there in that water for a while. She’s back home now and not out there by herself anymore.”
Hollis was on patrol checking the safety of low-water crossings at 2 a.m. Thursday when she radioed for help, saying her vehicle was being overcome by fast-moving water. At least a half-dozen law-enforcement agencies using helicopters, search dogs and dive teams launched an exhaustive search for the missing deputy after her disappearance.
IN-DEPTH
- Deputy Jessica Hollis' Body Found in Lake Austin (KXAN)
- Search Suspended for Texas Deputy Swept Away by Floodwaters