Funeral Tuesday For Sweetwater Officer Killed In Crash
MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) – A Sweetwater police officer, who was killed in a motorcycle crash over the weekend on I-75, will be laid to rest this week.
A public viewing for Officer Bryan Marrero will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Vista Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home at 14200 NW 57th Avenue.
On Tuesday, at 11 a.m., a funeral service for Marrero will be held at Graceland Memorial Park at 13900 SW 117th Avenue. The date is significant for the Marrero family. On October 30th, 2010 Marrero's mother lost her battle with cancer.
The accident happened Sunday. Marrero, 22, was heading south on the highway when he lost control of his motorcycle between Miami Gardens Drive and NW 138th Street after drifting into the emergency lane, according to Sweetwater spokeswoman Michelle Hammontree-Garcia.
Marrero's motorcycle went into the center median then back onto the emergency lane where he slammed into the guard rail. Marrero, who was thrown from the bike on impact, was pronounced dead on the scene.
"I can't even really believe that it's happened," said Sweetwater officer Jacksonville Pelaez. "I know it's happened, but it's still at the point where I don't believe it."
Pelaez and many others on the force gathered to console each other at the police department Sunday evening. Many cried, their badges covered in black cloth in Marrero's honor.
The group then gathered to pray and lower the flag outside the department to half staff for Marrero.
"Bryan was the best guy I've ever met in my entire life," said Pelaez.
The two of them went through the police academy together and then both joined the Sweetwater Police force. Yet somehow Pelaez saw Marrero as a mentor.
"Bryan was able to keep me focused, keep me on the right path and because of Bryan I am where I am today," he said. "So I love you Bryan I miss you. It's unbelievable."
Marrero was in his second year at the department. At the time of the accident, he was off duty and riding his personal motorcycle.
