Retired Rio Verde deputy chief killed in Buckeye crash

PHOENIX — Authorities have identified a man who died in a Saturday crash in Buckeye as a retired deputy fire chief.

According to the Buckeye Police Department, 59-year-old Dep. Chief Eric Merrill was killed Saturday morning following a two-vehicle collision at Palo Verde and Yuma roads.

His son was injured in the accident, but the injuries are considered not life threatening. There was no update on the second person hurt in the crash.

Merrill had recently retired two weeks ago from the Rio Verde Fire District where he had served the district for 15 years. Before that, Merrill had worked with Rural Metro Fire. He had a 40-year career in fire service.

The road has reopened following the accident.

According to a Buckeye Police Department spokesperson, a procession of fire and police personnel was underway for Merrill in downtown Phoenix.

No other information was immediately available as the investigation is still underway.

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