Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Michelle Lawless, 47, died late Saturday, Oct. 27, when her all-terrain vehicle crashed during a routine patrol in the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in Broward County.

Lawless had been working in the northwest corner of the management area, near the L5 Canal and the Palm Beach County line, when she apparently collided with a fixed object.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Lawless’s 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. This is a painful loss to the entire agency, her family and friends,” said Major Brett Norton, commander of law enforcement for the FWC’s South Region.

Lawless is survived by her parents, Tom and April Lawless, and countless other family and friends. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.

 

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