Sheriff's Deputy Injured In Motorcycle Collision, GoFundMe Started For Long Recovery

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A Loudoun County sheriff's deputy injured in a crash last week faces a long recovery ahead, according to a fundraiser to support the family.

The Aug. 13 crash involved two motorcycles on Mountain Road in western Loudoun County. The sheriff's deputy who serves on the motor unit was taken to the hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The other motorcycle driver was taken to the hospital and was released after treatment.

A GoFundMe started by the Loudoun Dulles FOP Charitable Foundation identifies the sheriff's deputy as Louis Custodio. The fundraiser says the other motorcycle coming in the other direction struck Custodio's motorcycle head on. The sheriff's office says it does not identify deputies involved in accidents until they are released from the hospital "or circumstances require otherwise."

According to the fundraiser, Custodio will need 15 surgeries and a recovery spanning more than 18 months. The fundraiser will support his wife, Dana, and their young daughter during the recovery, including the family's hotel stays, parking and living expenses, and expenses not covered by worker's compensation. The deputy's wife may have to take at least a year off work to provide care, the Loudoun Dulles FOP Charitable Foundation's fundraiser says.

"Louis isn’t just a deputy. He’s a Field Training Officer w the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, a proud member of the Dive Team, and now part of the Motor Unit," the GoFundMe states. "Since joining in 2020, he’s served his community with unmatched dedication, courage, and heart. If you’ve ever met him, you know — he’s the guy who lights up every room, the one who makes everyone laugh, the one who would give the shirt off his back without hesitation."

"This was a tragic crash, and I am grateful for the outpouring of community concern for everyone affected," said Sheriff Mike Chapman via a news release. "From the outset, we have and will continue to provide support to our injured deputy and his family and help coordinate the generous efforts of first responder support groups. We ask that you keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers."

The GoFundMe has raised over $27,000 as of Tuesday afternoon and has a goal of $75,000.