ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County deputy died Wednesday, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy died at Dr. Phillips Hospital on Turkey Lake Road Wednesday evening.
Investigators said Deputy First Class Michael Erickson collapsed while he was off-duty at a YMCA Aquatic Center.
The sheriff's office said his death is not related to the cause of death of Deputy Sebastian Diana, who died over the weekend due to a bacterial infection.
Erickson was involved in several high profile cases, such as the investigation into SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau's death, and the case against Casey Anthony.
Erickson was one of the first to interview Lee Anthony in 2008. He also interviewed Casey's neighbor, who loaned her a shovel during the time Caylee was missing.
Erickson was supposed to be a witness during the trial in May. The defense had already taken a deposition from Erickson.
WFTV Legal Analyst Bill Sheaffer says the statements he already made under oath, will have to speak for him during trial.
"The state can use his deposition as substantive evidence as though he was there in person," Sheaffer said.
Deputy Erickson served the Orange County Sheriff's Office since January of 1998. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
WFTV
