Sergeant Daniel E. Vanhus died Sunday in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Vanhus had been with the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years.
TERRELL, Texas — The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its employees after the department’s sergeant died Sunday.
According to the Texas Department of Safety, on Saturday, Sergeant Daniel E. VanHass, 37, was driving a motorcycle at an unsafe speed while barreling into a curve near the intersection of TX-34 and N. Francis Street in Terrell, Texas.
According to DPS, Vanhus, who was off-duty at the time, was unable to safely negotiate a curve, causing him and his passenger, Allison Hibdon, 31, to leave the road, strike the median and overturn the motorcycle. Officers responded to the scene around 9:36 p.m.
Both Vanhus and Hibdon were taken to Baylor Sunnyvale, where Vanhus was later airlifted to Baylor Dallas. Vanhus died from his injuries around 1 a.m. Sunday.
DPS said Hibdon remains hospitalized.
According to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Daniel Van Huss has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009. He was promoted over time, becoming a deputy in 2011, a corporal in 2013, and a sergeant later that same year. Sergeant Van Huss was promoted to sergeant on July 15, 2024, just five days before the accident.
The Texas Municipal Police Association released a statement about VanHass’ death.
“It is with sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic death of Kaufman County Police Sergeant and TMPA member Daniel Van Huss after being involved in an off-duty traffic accident.
Sergeant Van Huss dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community. His passing is deeply mourned by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to keep his family in their thoughts and prayers.
DPS says the accident is still under investigation.
