The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputy who was hit by a driver on Florida’s Turnpike while he was helping out with a crash last month is still recovering in the hospital.
Leo Cantave is facing the toughest battle of his life, his brother, Jay Cantave, told NBC6 on Wednesday, but their family and the law enforcement community haven’t left his side. The deputy has had several surgeries, but he is awake and alert.
“We’ve been praying and hoping he makes some type of recovery,” Jay Cantave said. “We never thought we would get a call like that.”
On Dec. 27, Leo Cantave stopped to help the Florida Highway Patrol with a crash on the Turnpike. According to investigators, 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson didn’t slow down and hit Cantave, sending him into the air.
He was airlifted to the hospital in extreme critical condition. Leo Cantave has been with Miami law enforcement for 20 years and started with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue before joining the sheriff’s office.
“You feel some kind of way, but we’ll let law enforcement and the investigation do what it’s supposed to do,” Jay Cantave said.
According to an arrest report, Brinson admitted to using marijuana and drinking before the crash. Brinson’s license was suspended five times because he didn’t pay traffic fines, with the latest suspension on Dec. 8. He is facing charges of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and knowingly driving with a suspended license
Jay Cantave said serving is his brother’s passion.
“For him, in his mind, police work is all about helping people, and that’s what he stood for,” he said.
There are many words he could use to describe his brother, but one in particular comes to mind.
“Selfless service member,” Jay Cantave said.
The family is hoping for the best, but he knows his brother’s recovery will take some time.
“He’s the true book version of a police officer,” Jay Cantave said. “Someone who goes out of their way every day to help out people.”
The family created a GoFundMe for Deputy Cantave.
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