Guardian Angel: Off-Duty Deputy Who Died Helping Family Called Hero
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - The off-duty sheriff's deputy who was struck and killed by an SUV while helping a family was hailed on Monday for his actions.
Sgt. Sean Renfro and his friend pulled over on U.S. 285 in Jefferson County to assist a woman, her brother and her infant son who had wrecked their car during poor weather on Saturday night.
"We call them our guardian angels," Durwood Tate, the brother and sister's father, said on Monday.
Renfro and his friend, identified only as Sam, helped keep Chauncey Tate, her brother Kenny and her 9-month-old son, Angus, safe inside their truck and directed traffic.
That's when Renfro was struck by a Ford Escape that veered across the median. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
RELATED: Sergeant Killed Helping Motorist On U.S. 285 Was Husband, Father Of 4
The weather conditions on Saturday were poor. Portions of 285 had been closed during the weekend because of blowing snow and limited visibility.
"I was going as slow as I could, and just hit a patch of ice and trying to regain (control) and couldn't," Chauncey Tate said. His car hit the side of the mountain.
Renfro stopped shortly after the accident to help. The SUV that hit Renfro was headed in the opposite direction. The driver lost control, crossed the media and struck Renfro.
"He had no reason to stop. He could've went on about his life," Chauncey Tate said. "If it wasn't for him, both of them keeping us safe I'm not sure we would be here."
When her son is old enough, she said he'll tell him that "an angel stopped and helped us and saved his life."
No one from the Tate family was injured.
Renfro, a father of four, was a 15-year veteran with the sheriff's office.
The SUV that hit Renfro was driven by Blair Gledhill, 22, a Denver resident who was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Samual Yesurantnam, 46, of Conifer, also stopped to help and was hit by the SUV. He was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
Trooper Jacob Cleveland also suffered minor injuries after being hit with debris. He was treated on the scene.
The accident is still under investigation but no charges have been filed.
The Tates on Monday said Renfro was gentle, soft-spoken and kind to them.
"I have to upmost respect for him, and I'm going to keep in praying for his family," Kenny Tate said.
High winds and blowing snow reduced visibility on the highway again on Monday, closing it from Grant past Fairplay.
