In Loving Memory of Cameron Gerard, 34 Honoring a Life of Service, Warmth, and Unforgettable Light
With hearts weighed down by sorrow yet lifted by cherished memories, we gather in spirit to honor and remember Cameron Gerard, a beloved Jefferson County correctional officer, who tragically lost his life in a collision on Interstate 10. At just 34 years old, Cameron’s passing is not only a heartbreaking loss for his family and friends, but also for the entire Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, where he proudly served with dedication, humility, and heart.
In the early morning hours of Monday, Cameron was driving eastbound along Interstate 10 near Boyt Road when a failed lane change caused his vehicle — a 2015 Dodge Charger — to strike a water-filled barrier and then collide with a concrete barrier. The impact was devastating. Cameron, along with 33-year-old Alexandria Jones of Lumberton, tragically passed away at the scene. The accident brought traffic to a standstill for several hours as DPS troopers worked to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Though the collision was sudden and heartbreaking, the story of Cameron’s life is filled with purpose, compassion, and the spirit of someone who made the world around him brighter.
Cameron served at the Jefferson County Jail, where he had worked for two years. Sheriff Zena Stephens spoke through deep emotion when she shared with KFDM News that Cameron was “one of my personal recruits.” Her words painted a picture of a young man who was admired, respected, and loved by those who worked alongside him. She recalled the warmth he carried wherever he went, the smile that never failed to show up, and the genuine kindness he extended to everyone he encountered.
His family, well-known in the community as the proud owners of Gerard’s Barbeque Diner on Fannett Road, carries a legacy of hospitality, generosity, and goodness — qualities Cameron embodied wholeheartedly. In speaking of him, Sheriff Stephens said, “They’re all just good people. He was always smiling. It just breaks my heart.” Those words echo the sentiments of many who knew Cameron: he was someone who brought light, not merely through his profession, but through his daily presence.
Cameron was more than an officer. He was a son, a family man, a trusted friend, and a pillar of positivity in the lives of many. He was the type of person who made others feel safe and supported — not just in the hallways of the jail, but in everyday life. His laughter could fill a room, and his kindness often spoke louder than any words could. He was steady, hardworking, loyal, and filled with a sense of duty that touched countless lives both on and off the clock.
Today, as we remember Cameron, we honor not just the tragedy of his passing, but the beauty of his life — a life rooted in service, compassion, family, and an unwavering smile that lifted the spirits of those around him. The Jefferson County community, his colleagues in law enforcement, and his loved ones will forever carry the memory of his warmth and his willingness to give of himself.
To his family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who loved him: may you find strength in one another, comfort in the memories you shared, and peace in knowing that Cameron’s legacy will continue to touch hearts for years to come. Though his journey ended far too soon, his impact will endure — a testament to a life lived with purpose and kindness.
Rest in peace, Cameron Gerard.
Your light continues to shine in every life you touched, and you will forever be remembered with gratitude, love, and honor.