Chad Christian Key

Deputy Sheriff Chad Key was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at the intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and Bethany Road shortly before 10:30 pm.

The driver who struck him failed to stop but was arrested a short distance away. The subject was a habitual drunk driver who was out on a bond on a previous drunk driving arrest.

The subject was convicted of felony murder and aggravated assault. He was subsequently sentenced to 99 years in prison with both charges running concurrently; he is eligible for parole in 2044.

Deputy Key had served as a patrol deputy for only two months and as a Corrections Officer with the Grayson County Sheriff's Office for 3-1/2 years. Survivors include his wife and three sons. A portion of U.S. Highway 82 was renamed the "Chad Key Highway" in 2015.