Highlands County Deputy escorted by motorcade procession Wednesday

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A motorcade escorted Deputy Gentry’s body to Tampa where he was able to save lives through organ donation.

Deputy William Gentry’s body was taken from Lee Memorial Hospital to Tampa to complete his duty as an organ donor Wednesday morning.

A motorcade of more than 20 law enforcement officers vehicles escorted the fallen deputy.

Deputy Gentry was able to save at least six other lives through organ donation after he was killed in the line of duty.

“Obviously they’re still reeling from an unimaginable loss and tragedy that they’re going through,” said Betsy Edwards of Tampa Lifelink where Gentry was taken. “But they are finding some hope and healing through knowing that Officer Gentry is going to live on through the lives that he will save through organ donation.”

An autopsy will be performed in Winter Haven and then he’ll be escorted home.

Joseph Edward Ables, 69, is in custody and is being charged with attempted first-degree murder without premeditation among other charges.

The funeral for Gentry will take place at 11 a.m. on May 15 at Highlands News-Sun Center at 781 Magnolia Ave. in Sebring.

MORE: Outpouring of support shown for Highlands County fallen deputy

WINK News reporter Nicole Valdes was live Wednesday morning following the procession. Watch the full segment above.

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