SANTA CLARITA (CNS) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday was mourning the death of an off-duty 21-year-old deputy who was killed in a multi-vehicle collision in Santa Clarita.
Officers responded to the collision on San Francisquito Canyon Road, south of Dry Gulch Road, shortly after 3:15 p.m. Monday, where three vehicles sustained significant damage and several victims were injured, according to the California Highway Patrol.
First responders arrived and began administering aid to the injured victims, one of whom was an off-duty sheriff’s deputy who was airlifted to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where he later died. The other victims were taken to the same facility by ambulance.
The deputy was identified Tuesday as Daniel V. Chavira, who had been on the job for less than a year.
“We mourn the loss of Deputy Daniel V. Chavira, a dedicated young deputy whose passion for service was evident from day one,” the LASD said in a statement. “He graduated from academy class 476 on October 4, 2024, was assigned to North County Correctional Facility(NCCF), and was set to begin patrol school Monday to eventually be assigned to Palmdale Station after six months in custody.
“Deputy Chavira was driven, humble, and committed to making a difference. He leaves behind a proud and loving family. He is survived by his father Rodrigo Valencia, his two brothers, Rodrigo Valencia and Deputy Rene Valencia-Chavira, who works at Lancaster Station, and his wife Deputy Crystal Valencia, who works at San Fernando Court. His sister Detective Nancy Alcaraz and her husband Deputy Martin Alcaraz, who both work at Palmdale Station.
“Though his watch ended too soon, his legacy of service will live on through those who loved him and continue the mission,” the statement added.
Dozens of deputies gathered at the hospital to honor Chavira and form a procession as his body was taken from Santa Clarita to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s headquarters in Boyle Heights.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our own, who was taken from us far too soon,” Sheriff Robert Luna said. “Our deputy dedicated his life to the service and safety of others, both in and out of uniform. His commitment to public safety was not just a job — it was who he was.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
A sheriff’s department official told ABC7 the department was reviewing the deputy’s work schedule and background to determine if he was possibly leaving or driving to work.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of a young Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy in yesterday’s multi-vehicle crash in Santa Clarita,” Supervisor Kathryn Barger said. “My thoughts are with the deputy’s loved ones and the families of all those injured. I stand with Sheriff Luna and the entire LASD family as we mourn this tremendous loss.”
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
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