A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide sergeant was killed in an off-duty traffic crash in Santa Clarita, sheriff's officials said Friday afternoon.
Jason Viger, 43, was driving in the area of McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard around 11 p.m. Thursday when the crash occurred, the department said. Officials did not provide details on the cause of the crash.
“Sergeant Jason Viger was passionate and loved being a deputy, and his untimely passing has deeply affected our department,” Sheriff Robert Luna said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed in the LASD family, and his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving our community will leave a lasting legacy.”
The Los Angeles Professional Sheriffs Association issued a brief statement Friday afternoon.
“On behalf of the entire LASPA family, we are heartbroken to learn of the untimely passing of our member,” said Adam Marangell, the association’s general counsel. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.”
County records show Viger joined the Sheriff's Department in 2008, following in the footsteps of his brother, who had done the same two years earlier.
After working at the North County Correctional Facility early in his career, Viger went on to work at the Palmdale Station, the Lancaster Station, the Narcotics Bureau and finally the Homicide Bureau. Officials said he was “very proud” to be the first sergeant on the Sheriff’s Overdose Response Task Force.
In 2016, the The times of the Antelope Valley He said Viger, then assigned to the Palmdale station, was honored for saving an assault victim the previous year.
Since then, he has occasionally appeared in the news. helping to respond to wildfires, Investigating fentanyl deaths and Identification of missing hikers.
At the Palmdale station, Viger was well-liked and known for his kindness, according to a former colleague.
“We all get called by our last name, but he always called me by my first name,” said Rep. Andrew Cronin.
But he was also respected for his knowledge and hard work. When Viger became a homicide investigator, Cronin said, he seemed like a natural fit.
“Being a homicide detective is a tough job, it’s a very demanding job for you and your family, and you have to know your business,” Cronin said. “Jason was one of those guys who could get the job done. Some people belong in certain positions in the department, and in my opinion, Jason belonged in homicide. He was that type of guy.”
Outside of work, officials said Viger enjoyed golfing and watching his children play sports. He is survived by his parents and loved ones, including four children and three siblings.
