The Harris County community is in mourning after the tragic death of Deputy John Hampton Coddou, a dedicated 20-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and a U.S. Army veteran. Deputy John Coddou passed away in the line of duty after stopping to assist at the scene of a minor traffic accident. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day.
The Incident on Grand Parkway
Deputy John Coddou was assisting at a crash site on the Grand Parkway at Cumberland Ridge Drive when tragedy struck. While rendering aid and ensuring the safety of others involved in an earlier, minor accident, Deputy Coddou was hit by a passing vehicle. Emergency services responded swiftly, and Life Flight transported him to Memorial Hermann in the Medical Center in serious condition. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Deputy John Coddou succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
A Career Dedicated to Service
John Coddou’s commitment to public service spanned two decades with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Prior to his distinguished law enforcement career, he served in the U.S. Army. He joined the HCSO in 2003 as a detention officer, quickly rising through the ranks to become a deputy in 2005. For years, Deputy John Coddou served the West Harris County community as a patrol deputy. His dedication and expertise led to his most recent role as an investigator in the sheriff’s office violent crimes unit, where he continued to protect and serve the citizens of Harris County.
Community and Colleagues Pay Tribute to John Coddou
The loss of Deputy John Coddou has deeply impacted the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the wider community. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed the profound grief felt by the department, stating, “Our hearts are broken, our spirits are crushed… It’s a sad day in Harris County as we mourn the loss of one of our deputies that died in the line of duty.” Sheriff Gonzalez highlighted Deputy John Coddou’s selfless nature, noting that he “could have decided not to stop and drive past the crash scene,” but his dedication to service compelled him to assist.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo also shared heartfelt condolences, acknowledging Deputy John Coddou’s lasting impact: “In his 20-year career with the Sheriff’s Office, he has left a lasting impact on our community. I want to thank his family for sharing him with us as he put his life at risk every day to keep Harris County safe.”
Beyond his professional life, John Coddou was remembered for his personal warmth and camaraderie. Texas Boys Outdoors, who hosted Deputy John Coddou as a guest, described him as an “awesome guy” and a “joy to have out on the water fishing and hanging out with,” reflecting the personal connections he made within the community.
The tragic death of Deputy John Hampton Coddou is a profound loss for Harris County. His unwavering commitment to service and his selfless actions will be remembered by all who knew him and the community he served so faithfully. He is survived by his wife and mother, to whom the community extends its deepest sympathy and gratitude for his service.
