Trooper Jonathan McDonald was a part of the force for only three years, and Post was his first station after the DPS academy. His colleagues say he always went above and beyond to help others.
Garza County Sheriff's Deputy George Cavitt said even though McDonald was only 28-years-old, and only had a couple years of experience, he was extremely dependable.
"Jonathan is the type of young man that you could count on, not only professionally, but also community wise. There's nothing he wouldn't do for you, or to help others," Cavitt said.
"Back early last century there was a saying on the Rio Grande in law work, we would say, 'he'd do the work the river with,' meaning he's dependable, he's go your back, honest, you can count on him, and Jonathan would do the work the river with," Cavitt said.
McDonald was doing just that, working. He was driving South on US 84, responding to a car accident, when he lost control of his vehicle and struck a culvert.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports his car was engulfed in flames, McDonald died instantly.
Corporal John Gonzalez responded to the scene, he said this is a devastating loss to the DPS.
"He was responding to an accident South of Post on US 84, it was between 10:30 and 11 o'clock," Gonzalez said. "The accident reconstruction team has been called out from Austin."
McDonald is also remembered by his past employers. Debbie Sumner, manager of the United Supermarket on Brownfield Highway said he was an outstanding team member and manager.
Sumner recalls McDonald decided that he wanted to join the DPS after a ride along with his brother-in-law who is also a trooper.
"It's hard to put words to just how much he will be missed, the State of Texas is out of an employee, the DPS is short of a trooper, but we're short a friend and colleague," Cavitt said.
McDonald leaves behind his wife, who is a kindergarten teacher in Post, and a six-month-old daughter.
