BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A newly hired civilian corrections assistant with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office was killed in a vehicle crash in Brevard County early Monday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.
The agency identified the woman as Cassi Taylor, who joined the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office on July 20.
Taylor was scheduled to be officially sworn in Monday, the sheriff’s office said.
“We are saddened to share the news of the death of one of our newest team members,” the agency said in a statement.
Taylor was the daughter of Deputy Scott Burke, whom the sheriff’s office said is known by many in the community through local events.
“Please keep Scott and the entire family in your prayers,” the agency said.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened on Interstate 95 in Brevard County, near Titusville.
Investigators said a vehicle traveling southbound struck an alligator in the roadway.
Taylor, who was driving behind that vehicle, swerved in an attempt to avoid the crash, lost control of her pickup truck and overturned, according to the crash report.
Taylor was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest in the roadway. A third vehicle then struck her and left the scene, according to FHP.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into the hit-and-run remains ongoing. FHP is asking anyone who may have information about the vehicle or driver who left the scene to contact investigators.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to keep Taylor’s family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn her death.
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