CHP Officer Dies In Line Of Duty

“We have a risky job everyday that we go out. It’s one of those things,” said Officer, Pablo Torrez.

CHP pilot Danny Benavides was enforcing the laws of the road from the sky when his plane went down.

“He was just doing his job,” said Torrez.

The 39-year-old had just finished a speed detail and was on his way to another, when he and the communication center lost contact. This sparked a multi-agency search lasting more than six hours.

“The terrain is difficult to get to, it made it hard to get to the pilot,” said Torrez.

The 13-year veteran of the CHP was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind a wife, 9-year-old daughter and a close knit family of officers.

“Anytime you loose a brother in the force, it’s very hard,” said Torrez.

Benavides lived in Indio with his wife and young daughter. Those who knew him say, he was friendly and a true outdoors man.

“He was very nice. They were a happy family,” said neighbor, John Celli.

Celli said Benavides was always smiling and often took his family on adventures.

“They’d always do things together like go camping. The last big thing they did was the Jeep run,” said Celli.

Benavides was based out of the Jacqueline Cochran Airport in Thermal. Across the street from the airport is the Thermal Fire station. The day after the accident, the flag flies at half staff in Benavides’ honor.

“He paid the ultimate price,” said Torrez.

As the investigation continues, the mourning begins for a man who dedicated his life to protecting the lives of others.

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating what may have caused the plane to go down.