(UPDATED) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports an accident that occurred at around 12:38-p.m. Tuesday (June 14, 2022), claimed the life of a Sheriff’s Deputy. Authorites say Deputy Austin “Melvin”Wayne Richardson, age 37, of Sidney, was traveling northbound on Highway 275 near 260th Street in a 2020 Chevy Tahoe.

A southbound John Deere S770 combine with dual front tires, being driven by James Gregory Groff, age 64, of Rock Port, MO., was traveling southbound in the same area. The combine was wider than the width of the southbound lane, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

The Tahoe driven by Deputy Richardson, collided with the front dual tire of the combine. Following the collision, the Tahoe skidded sideways and rolled several times before coming to rest on it left (Driver’s) side.

Deputy Richardson died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. The accident remains under investigation.