Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Hillsborough County Deputy’s Unmarked Cruiser in Town ‘N’ Country

A 27-year-old man has died after being struck by an unmarked Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office vehicle in Town ‘N’ Country, according to authorities.

The crash occurred Saturday night along West Hillsborough Avenue and involved an on-duty deputy driving an unmarked patrol vehicle. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries but later succumbed to those injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting an independent investigation into the fatal collision.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. on June 21, 2026, near:

• West Hillsborough Avenue
• Ambassador Drive
• Town ‘N’ Country, Florida

Authorities say Deputy Jonathan Kennon, 35, was operating an unmarked 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and traveling eastbound in the center lane when the collision occurred.

Investigators reported that 27-year-old Dudane Anderson III was crossing the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk when he was struck by the vehicle.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash.

Deputy Reportedly Rendered Aid

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Kennon immediately stopped following the collision and began providing first aid to the injured pedestrian until emergency medical personnel arrived.

Anderson was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital – Main for treatment.

Despite lifesaving efforts, authorities said he died from his injuries at approximately 12:45 p.m. the following day.

Florida Highway Patrol Leading Investigation

As is standard practice in crashes involving law enforcement vehicles, the Florida Highway Patrol has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Independent investigations are commonly conducted when:

• A law enforcement vehicle is involved in a serious crash
• Fatal injuries occur
• Questions exist regarding vehicle operation
• Evidence must be reviewed by an outside agency

FHP investigators will likely analyze:

• Vehicle speeds
• Roadway conditions
• Lighting conditions
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Physical evidence from the scene
• Vehicle data recorders

At this time, investigators have not announced whether any traffic violations occurred.

Deputy Placed on Administrative Duty

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Deputy Kennon has been placed on administrative duty while the investigation is ongoing.

Officials stated that:

• He has served with HCSO for approximately eight years.
• He has no prior disciplinary history.
• He has no internal affairs findings.
• He has no prior crash history with the agency.

Placement on administrative duty is a common administrative procedure following officer-involved incidents and does not imply wrongdoing.

Pedestrian Crashes Remain a Major Concern in Florida

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities nationwide.

Pedestrian crashes frequently occur along major corridors such as West Hillsborough Avenue, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility can be reduced.

Factors commonly examined in pedestrian crashes include:

• Crosswalk location
• Roadway lighting
• Vehicle speed
• Driver visibility
• Pedestrian visibility
• Traffic control devices
• Driver distraction
• Pedestrian impairment

Investigators have not released findings regarding any of these factors in this case.

Florida Pedestrian Laws

Under Florida Statute §316.130, pedestrians crossing a roadway outside of a marked crosswalk are generally required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling on the roadway.

However, drivers still maintain a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and take precautions to avoid collisions when possible.

For that reason, investigators often evaluate the actions of both the driver and the pedestrian when determining how a crash occurred.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute §768.81, meaning liability may be shared among multiple parties depending on the facts of a case.

Potential Legal Considerations for the Family

Whenever a fatal collision occurs, investigators and legal professionals may examine whether negligence contributed to the death.

Potential issues that could be reviewed include:

• Vehicle speed
• Driver attentiveness
• Roadway design
• Lighting conditions
• Visibility issues
• Traffic signal operation
• Pedestrian actions

If evidence establishes that another party’s negligence contributed to the collision, surviving family members may have rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Loss of support and services
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Because the investigation remains ongoing, no conclusions regarding liability have been reached.

Sheriff Expresses Condolences

In a statement released following the incident, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.

“The loss of life is always tragic. My deepest sympathies are with the entire Anderson family,” Chronister stated. “This tragedy weighs heavily on our entire Sheriff’s Office. We are committed to supporting a thorough investigation.”

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal pedestrian crash.

Additional information may be released regarding:

• Crash reconstruction findings
• Toxicology results, if applicable
• Roadway evidence
• Witness statements
• Potential contributing factors

At this time, no citations or criminal charges have been announced.

Remembering a Life Lost

The death of Dudane Anderson III is a tragic loss for his family, friends, and community.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones as they navigate this difficult time and await answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol investigation remains ongoing.