MYRTLE BEACH — A retired Horry County Sheriff’s deputy died late Wednesday after a motorcycle crash in Myrtle Beach, according to authorities.

Joe Floyd Jr., 39, of Myrtle Beach, died at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center from injuries he suffered in a motorcycle crash that happened about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on Seaboard Street, Horry County Deputy Coroner Tamara Willard said.

The crash happened when Floyd’s motorcycle was traveling south on Seaboard Street from U.S. 501 when he crossed the raised concrete median, sideswiped a Lincoln Navigator, then crashed head-on with a Chevrolet Tahoe, police said.

Floyd was thrown from the bike.

He was transported to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, where he died, Willard said.

Myrtle Beach police are investigating the crash, which happened near Oak Forest Lane, Capt. David Knipes said.

Horry County Sheriff Phillip Thompson said Floyd had retired about a year ago from the sheriff’s office and spent his 13 years with the department as a road deputy and certified training instructor.

“He was still part of the family even though he had retired and left. We thought a lot of Joe. It is a very unfortunate thing that happened last night,” Thompson said.

“Joe was a fun-loving guy. He loved his job when he was here. He loved what he did and he loved being a law enforcement officer. We had a lot of fun talking about football and rivalries.”

Thompson said Floyd helped the department whenever he was needed.

“Joe will surely be missed,” Thompson said.

Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723.