Authorities investigating after Broward sheriff's deputy found dead in Homestead – NBC 6 South Florida

Authorities are investigating after a Broward Sheriff's Office deputy was found dead in Homestead Tuesday morning.

The discovery was made in the area of ​​Southwest 130th Avenue and Southwest 320th Street by a passerby who called 911 around 6:30 a.m. to report that a police officer was down, Miami-Dade police officials said.

Officers arrived and found a vehicle marked BSO and the deputy lying next to it. Miami-Dade firefighters responded and pronounced the deputy dead at the scene.

Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed the deputy's body covered with a yellow tarp on the ground of a gravel road next to the BSO vehicle.

The identity of the deputy has not been released.

The video also showed a nearby pickup truck and two people sitting on the side of the road. It's unclear how these people may be connected to the scene, if at all.

Several Miami-Dade police officers were also on scene. Homicide detectives are investigating the death and the medical examiner will determine the manner and cause of death, officials said.

A source told NBC 6 there was no broader threat to the community. Police confirmed detectives are not looking for any subjects.

In a statement, BSO said the deputy had worked for the agency for 16 years and was off duty at the time of his death.

“This is a difficult day for our agency as we try to help each other deal with the unexpected loss of one of our deputies. Our primary concern is supporting the deputy's family and colleagues, ensuring that that they have the resources and care they need to treat the problem and we mourn this tragedy,” read the BSO statement. “If you are struggling or know someone who is suffering from their own battle with mental health, please know that you are not alone and there is help.”

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.