06/11/2026
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Reserve Deputy Heather Avery, 48, was killed while assisting with traffic control in a construction zone along Interstate 10 near Winnie, Texas. According to investigators, her Ford Explorer was stopped with emergency lights activated when an 18-wheeler struck the rear of her vehicle. She died at the scene.
Heather Avery served as a reserve deputy with the Jefferson County Precinct 1 Constable's Office and was widely respected in the law enforcement community. She was also the Training Director at Freedom Fi****ms & Defense, where colleagues described her as the heart of their training program and a mentor to many.
Following the crash, tributes poured in from fellow officers, friends, and community members. Her husband later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the trucking company and highway contractor, alleging negligence contributed to the fatal collision.
Funeral services were held in Beaumont, Texas, where family, law enforcement officers, and friends gathered to honor her life and service.