TAMPA, Fla — Corporal Brian LaVigne is being remembered as someone dedicated to his family and community, a great family man who worked to mentor the younger members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
LaVigne died Monday when a man, who was fleeing deputies, intentionally crashed into the driver's side of his cruiser on Lumsden Road, Sheriff Chad Chronister said during a news conference.
He was 54 years old.
LaVigne had one more day of work before he was to retire after 30 years, the sheriff said. He is survived by his wife and two adult children; one of his daughters is a deputy with the sheriff's office.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says anyone who wishes to donate to his family can do so through the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation.
The man accused of killing Corporal LaVigne is 28-year-old Travis Zachary Gabriel Garrett. He is charged with first-degree murder, DUI manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest, felony criminal mischief and aggravated fleeing to elude.