East Texas

UPDATE: A Department of Public Safety spokesperson told the Tyler Morning Telegraph today that Ashton Bell, 15, and Javonte Edwards, 16, are both listed in stable condition at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

The two teens were traveling with their uncle, a Smith County Sheriff's deputy, Monday afternoon when they were involved in an accident in Henderson County. Their uncle, Ricky Bell, was pronounced dead at the scene following a three-car crash.


By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer

For the second time in as many weeks, the Smith County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of their own.Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that 48-year-old Deputy Ricky Bell, the winner of the 2007 Dale Geddie Memorial Award for Outstanding Peace Officer of the Year, was killed in a Henderson County accident involving several vehicles on Farm-to-Market Road 317 near Brownsboro Monday afternoon.

Garmon said the details were sketchy, but it appeared Bell, who was off duty, was being passed in a no passing zone on a hill when another vehicle approached the one passing Bell.Garmon said Bell's vehicle was clipped, causing it to flip over, ejecting the deputy.Garmon said Bell's two 15-year-old nephews were in the vehicle with Bell because the trio had been to Tyler to get haircuts.

"Another of our deputies had talked to him earlier and he said he was in Tyler with his nephews getting haircuts. You never know when it's your time. It's another tragedy for our department," he said.

The condition of the nephews was not known as Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were investigating the accident.

Bell started with the department in 2004 at the jail and promoted to deputy in January 2005 and assigned to the evening shift.

Bell's death comes on the heels of the loss of Brandon Bennett, hours after he had been co-named rookie of the year at the department's annual awards banquet.

Lt. Larry Wiginton said both Bell and Bennett were on the evening shift and their deaths have shaken the department.

"It's very hard and very stressful on them, especially right now at Christmas," he said. "Law enforcement families are often closer than real families because of all the time we spend together."

Wiginton said he talked to the patrol division during an afternoon briefing and told them to be careful both on duty and off duty.

"We have told them if needed we will offer them counseling or any other type of help they might need," he said.

Updated Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. CST

Tyler claims center plans to create 300 jobs   05/25/12
Large Fight Near Lee HS Results In Bloodied Teen   05/25/12
Tyler Police Capture 3 After Morning Break-In   05/25/12
Gorman Graduate Always Dives In   05/25/12
Lon Morris College Woes Throw Students, Community Off Course   05/25/12
Deanna Laney Released From State Hospital   05/25/12
UPDATE: D.A.'s Office Rests Its Case   05/25/12
TJC Reaching Out To Displaced Lon Morris Students   05/26/12
UPDATE: Conditions At Women's Death Row Prison Referenced   05/24/12
Tyler Saying Goodbye To Retiring Chief Financial Officer   05/25/12
Teens Arrested Stealing Security Vehicle, Leading Police In Chase   05/25/12
Centene Brings 300 Jobs To Tyler   05/26/12
Photos: East Texas Christian Academy Kindergarten Graduation   05/24/12
UPDATE: Cargill's Mom Gives Emotional Testimony   05/21/12
UPDATE: Cargill's Ex-Husband Says Her Temper Discouraged Him From Keeping Gun   05/22/12
Area Employment Rate Up To 93.7 Percent For April   05/19/12
Photos: Rains County Kids' Fishin' and Fair   05/25/12
Old Fiddlers Reunion Keeps Them Coming Back For More   05/26/12
Prosecution Rests Case In Punishment Phase Of Cargill Trial   05/26/12
TJC Opens Enrollment To Lon Morris Students   05/26/12