http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-1028lawless,0,458019.storySouth Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Florida Conservation officer killed in ATV crash
By Macollvie Jean-François
Sun-Sentinel.com
October 28, 2007
An officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission died on duty after her all-terrain vehicle crashed in a remote part of the Everglades and trapped her underneath, authorities said Sunday.
Officer Michelle A. Lawless, 47, was on routine patrol when the crash occurred late Saturday in the Holeyland/Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area, 30 to 40 miles west of U.S. 27 east toll, FWC spokesman Officer Jorge Pino said. She was on patrol for poachers and other vagrants who often target alligators and deer at night, Pino said.
"It's somewhat alarming to see this occur," said Pino, who graduated from the academy with Lawless. "She knew that area like the back of her hand."
The Florida Highway Patrol investigators said Lawless struck a metal gate, was ejected from the ATV and the vehicle overturned, trapping her underneath.
Pino said Lawless, a 5-year-veteran, last had contact with FWC's dispatch about 7:20 p.m. while working in the northwest corner of the management area near the L5 Canal and the Palm Beach county line.
Later in the evening, she did not respond to a routine check of the officers' locations and duties via radio, Pino said. Another officer became concerned and went searching for her. The officer found her ATV, then an unresponsive Lawless around 9:30 p.m, FHP said.
Efforts to revive her at the scene were not successful, Pino said. A rescue helicopter took her to the Delray Medical Center, where she died.
"Nothing at this time would indicate there is foul play, but that may change," Pino said.
Lawless' career with the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement began on May 25, 2003. After completing the FWC academy, she was assigned to Broward County where she worked until her death.
"Michelle was a diligent, accomplished officer who died doing what she did so well, protecting Florida's natural resources," said Major Brett Norton, commander of law enforcement for the region. "This is a painful loss to the entire agency, her family and friends."
Lawless, who lived in North Miami, is survived by her parents, Tom and April Lawless.
