Delray officer dies after crash

Family, friends and fellow police officers were in mourning Sunday following the death of Delray Beach Police Officer Christine Braswell, fatally injured in an off-duty traffic crash in Key West.

Braswell and a second Delray Beach police officer, Bernendea Marc, were riding on a motor scooter Saturday “when they were hit by an oncoming vehicle,” according to a statement issued by Delray Beach Police Chief Jeff Goldman and posted on the department’s Facebook page.

Braswell, 40, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she died late Saturday “surrounded by the love and care of her parents, her DBPD family and many heartbroken friends,” Goldman said.

Officer Marc, 25, was taken by air to Jackson South where she is recovering from critical injuries, authorities said.

The Key West Police Department identified the driver as 31-year-old Lacy Morris.

Braswell joined the Delray Beach police in 2005 and “was masterful at her job and dedicated to her community,” Goldman said in the statement.

She was a sniper on the S.W.A.T. Team and served as a field training instructor at the police academy at Broward College. She also served as a mentor for the Delray Beach Police Explorers, the department said.

“We will all will miss her bright smile, jovial personality and how hard she loved and cared for all of those who had the privilege to know her,” said Goldman.

Daniel Braswell described his daughter as “just one of the best people you would ever want to meet.

“She loved helping people,” said her dad, a former Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy and West Palm Beach police officer. “I have heard from so many people whose lives she has touched for the better.”

Christine Braswell, who attended the University of Florida, was credited in 2007 with helping to save the life of a man who had collapsed on the street. Responding to a 911 call, Braswell and fellow Delray Beach police officer Wayne Dinan found the 52-year-old man was not breathing. When CPR failed to revive him, they hooked him up to a defibrillator and gave him an electric shock to restart his heart.

People also took to Facebook to praise Braswell on the Delray Beach police chief ’s page.

“Officer Braswell was a role model to new officers and her spirit and positive influence will always be present with those she taught,” said Linda Wood, dean of the Broward College Police Academy.

Delray Mayor Cary Glickstein also expressed his condolences to Daniel Braswell.

“Our entire city is heartbroken and want you and your family to know you are in our thoughts and prayers,” Glickstein wrote in a comment.

In addition to her father, Braswell is survived by her mother and a brother.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Braswell