Harris County Deputy Fatally Struck While Assisting at Crash Scene

Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Investigator John Hampton Coddou, 50, who passed away while assisting at a crash scene on Tuesday morning, April 23, 2024. Coddou was hit by a vehicle while assisting the scene of a vehicle crash on the Grand Parkway in Northwest Harris County.

At 9:30 a.m., Coddou responded to a minor collision near the Cumberland Ridge Drive intersection. He parked on the center median with his lights activated, prioritizing the safety of others. However, a truck traveling north swerved to avoid hitting the patrol vehicle and struck Coddou in the median. Coddou attempted to jump out of the way, but the white Chevy 2500 truck hit him. He was transported by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Medical Center where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the truck remained on-scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Deputy Coddou, with the agency for 20 years, served in the Violent Crimes Unit as a Crimes Against Persons Investigator. Beginning as a detention officer in 2003, he became a deputy in 2005, working in District 4 in West Harris County. He was also a United States Army veteran.

The thoughts and prayers of the Sheriff’s Office are with his wife, family, colleagues, and friends during this challenging time.