Update on CCSO Dep. Lahera, critically injured, May 23, in Lecanto, FL
Photo graphic of Dep. Lahera courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - Citrus County Sheriff's office Deputy Andy Lahera, struck by a vehicle while directing traffic in Lecanto, Florida on May 23, 2023, remains in critical, but stable condition.
"Andy remains in the care of a great team of doctors and nurses as his recovery continues," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Andy's condition is still regarded as critical, but he is stable at the moment, with his wife and a family friend by his side. His wife and two sons greatly appreciate everyone's continued prayers, and our community's outpouring of support and love for Andy. Please continue to pray for Andy to recover from this trauma and for him to wake up so that he will know how much he is loved by all."
According to previous updates on Deputy Lahea's condition, Deputy Lahera is hospitalized at the Emergency and Trauma Center at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida. whee he had surgery to both legs on March 30.
The Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association donated $1,000 to launch a GoFundMe account for the Lahera family. If you would like to donate to the Lahera family, please click on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/florida-deputy-sheriffs-assn-fund-for-Lahera?fbclid=IwAR1gZWw3dDOjgzSppAcMsTf14UBI_7MVpcZsgiK5OIOnsAcb9Qj3Cxk6LdE.
The crash - May 23, 2023
At 9:05 p.m. on May 23, 2023, Deputy Andy Lahera, along with several other deputies, was directing traffic after a graduation ceremony at Lecanto High School, when he was struck by a motorist who was traveling south on County Road 491 (S. Lecanto Hwy.) near Saunders Way in Lecanto, Florida.
The driver, a 19 year-old woman from Homosassa, Florida, failed to notice Deputy Lahera on the roadway. As a result of the crash, Deputy Lahera sustained numerous broken bones, abrasions, and internal injuries. He was flown by helicopter to the Tampa trauma center.
When the crash occurred, Deputy Lahera was wearing a reflective traffic vest, holding a flashlight, with traffic cones set out, and the emergency lights activated on his marked patrol car that was parked nearby.