A Harris County (Texas) Sheriff’s deputy was hit and killed by a truck Tuesday after stopping to help with a crash on the Grand Parkway, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

The deputy was identified as John Hampton Coddou, 50. He was a 20-year veteran of the sheriff's office, KHOU reports. 

Around 9:30 a.m., a call came in about a minor crash along the Grand Parkway near the Cypress area. Coddou, who was nearby, turned on his emergency lights and pulled up to the grassy area in the center median where the crashed vehicles were. 

A white Chevrolet truck was nearing Coddou's patrol vehicle and attempted to swerve to avoid it. Still, the Chevrolet hit Coddou despite Coddou trying to get out of the way, the sheriff said. 

Life Flight was called to take Coddou to the hospital where he later died.

The driver of the Chevrolet remained on scene to cooperate with the investigation. It's unknown if any charges will be filed.

"It wasn't his regular assignment that day to be on patrol," Sheriff Gonzalez said. "He's an investigator but he saw community members in need."