Fla. wildlife officer killed by wrong-way driver, police say

By Suzie Ziegler 

PATTERSON, Fla. — A Florida wildlife officer who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Thursday has been identified as Senior Investigator Kyle Patterson, according to WPTV. 

Patterson, 35, was on duty when a 24-year-old woman driving the wrong way crashed head-on into Patterson’s unmarked work vehicle, officials said. The woman also died. 

Patterson began working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in 2007, the report said. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

The FWC released a statement mourning Patterson, calling him a “hero for public safety.” 

“Every day, law enforcement officers put themselves in danger pursuing their calling to keep the public safe,” the FWC said in a statement Friday. "Florida has lost a hero for public safety and conservation. We ask everyone for their support and prayers for his family, friends and all of our FWC officers and staff who are incredibly saddened by his death." 

The crash remains under investigation.