The Hillsborough County sheriff’s is mourning the dea*th of one of their own.
Deputy Timothy White was discovered Thursday with what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Now those who knew White are sharing memories of the light he brought to their lives.
White was known for reaching out to others when they needed help — qualities that inspired many, including Lindsay Hernandez.
“I am a better person for knowing him,” Hernandez said.
The sheriff’s office said the veteran Hillsborough County deputy took his own life on Thursday. Investigators said a family member found White in his patrol vehicle along East Zack Street in Tampa.
“He had the ability to walk into a room and make you the most special person in the room, and no one can believe that is not going to happen anymore,” Hernandez said.
She knew White for more than decade, and he was there for her during a tragedy in her own life.
“Our son has just passed, and somehow he had learned of this, and he was in the room waiting for us before we even got there, he was an example of don’t ask questions just go,” Hernandez said.
Lindsay’s non-profit, the Christian Michael Hernandez Foundation was born out of the kindness White showed her.
“We have what we call be the light project, and that stemmed from conversations with him, and I am beyond honored to kind of effectuated, this particular call to action,” Hernandez said.
White worked with the sheriff’s office for 15 years, most recently serving at the Hillsborough County courthouse.
