Randall County deputy killed in off-duty crash on Mother's Day
AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — A Randall County deputy was killed in an off duty crash on Mother's Day.
According to Amarillo police, Sgt. Jay Claxton was working on a boat that was parked on Buccola Avenue.
Around 8 p.m., an SUV driven by a 19-year-old girl hit the boat.
Claxton, 57, got trapped under the boat's trailer.
He died as a result of injuries suffered in the crash.
"Jay has long-served this agency with distinction and if you knew Jay he was your friend," said Sheriff Christopher Forbis. "Jay was the type of person that would show up any time of the day or night if you needed help."
There are no words to express the depth of loss we are all feeling at the Sheriff’s Office.
Claxton joined the Randall County Sheriff's Office is July 2003.
In 2013, he received the Life Saving Award from then-Sheriff Joel Richardson for performing CPR on an accident victim until paramedics arrived.
The Randall County Fire Department named him "Deputy of the Year" in 2013 for going above and beyond the call of duty to help Randall County firefighters.
Five years ago, the department shared a photo that says a lot about Claxton as a a person.
Claxton was on his way to a training class in 2018 when he passed a car with a flat tire.
He stopped to help the stranded motorist by changing the tire.
In 2021, Claxton was promoted to Sergeant days after his 18th anniversary with the department.
Reaction from Law Enforcement
"Jay Claxton was not only a good cop, he was truly a GOOD person!" said Armstrong County Sheriff Melissa Anderson. "My heart aches for his families, both blood and blue. He was one of my FTO’s, but most importantly he was my friend. We lost one of the best there is!"
"I am devastated with the loss of my good friend Jay Claxton," said retired Randall County Deputy, Sgt. Danny Alexander. "I only have great memories of my association with Jay. He was a great cop and a great friend ... I love you man."
"Everyone who knew him, loved him," said former Amarillo Police Officer Jason Scott. "He was just one of the world's best ... The community doesn't know what it lost with Jay's unexpected passing."
"Sgt. Claxton worked side by side with us on many wrecks, fires and medicals. He will be missed by one and all,: said the Canyon Fire Department. "We pray for his family and all of our brothers and sisters from Randall County Sheriff's office."
Congressman Ronny Jackson also shared his condolences.
"Please join me and my wife Jane in praying for the friends and family of Wayland Jay Claxton, a Sergeant with the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, who tragically passed away yesterday,: said Jackson. "Our community will miss him dearly."
