State Park Ranger killed....
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the deadly crash. Police said Lebanon Park Ranger Ross Phanke was hit by a Rutherford County Sheriff's deputy Thursday.
Susan Phanke sorted through photos to prepare for the memorial service for her husband, Ross.
Ross Phanke was a husband, father, Army Veteran and a State Park Ranger. He was killed as he crossed the street in front of his home along Central Pike in Lebanon, Thursday just before dinner.
“He always pulled into the driveway - would walk across to get the mail because he didn't want anything to happen to me,” said Susan Phanke.
Susan said she heard the crash and looked outside the door to ask Ross what happened, but he didn't answer.
“Then I got on the highway and that's when I realized my husband had been hit,” said Phanke.
Police said Rutherford County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Williams was behind the wheel of the car. Williams is on a DEA task force assigned to the Nashville Airport. He was driving home from work.
Susan said her husband was thrown about 200 feet. She thinks Williams was driving too fast. It's something investigators are working to find out. Williams has been with the department for close to 19 years.
Ross Pahnke's memorial service will be held Monday night in Lebanon. Tennessee Highway Patrol investigators said their investigation could take up to two weeks, and at that time they'll turn their findings over to the district attorney. So far, no charges have been filed.
