North Carolina deputy killed in semi-truck crash while on duty, officials say

HALLSBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — A deputy in North Carolina died in crash while on duty Thursday, officials said. Columbus County Deputy Damien Bost was assisting and escorting a subcontracting crew with the North Carolina Department of Transportation on U.S. 74-76 in Hallsboro when he was killed by a semi-truck, according to the Police Benevolent Foundation. According to the foundation, Bost was a member of the Columbus County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He also served as a School Resource Officer at South Columbus High School. The foundation said Bost is survived by his wife and two children. "Deputy Bost's loss is deeply felt throughout our agency and our immediate focus is standing beside his family and loved ones," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "Our hearts are with them and we ask our community to keep them — and everyone within our sheriff's office family—in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time." A memorial fund created by the foundation and endorsed by the sheriff's office to support Bost's family can be found online here. All donations will go to his wife. Anyone seeking to support Bost's family may also contact the the Columbus County Sheriff's Office directly at 910-642-6551 or [email protected] to find more ways to help. The crash is under investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.