Search fatalities

On 10/19/2024, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph S. Love of Homeland Security Investigations (part of the Department of Homeland Security) died from multiple myeloma cancer attributed to his assignment in search and recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27222-assistant-special-agent-in-charge-joseph-love
https://www.ice.gov/topics/eow
https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/law-enforcement-and-public-safety/ice-honors-77-fallen-personnel-in-d-c-ceremony-adds-hsi-agent-joseph-s-love-to-hall-of-heroes/

Illinois State trooper Corey Thompson was hit by a vehicle while on duty and died.

https://www.wcia.com/news/local-news/state-trooper-hospitalized-in-champaign-county-crash/

Officer Sean O’Neill shot and killed his wife, then himself. Their 3 children were inside of the home at the time of the murder/suicide.

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/yonkers-murder-suicide-retired-nypd-detective-teacher/

Detective Monica Mosley was shot and killed by intruders during a home invasion at her home.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-jersey-detective-shot-killed-home-invasion-police/story?id=114855149

Lt. Eloilda "Ellie" Shea, 39, was killed on October 14, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. She was a lieutenant with the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Her husband, Anthony Shea, 49, a former sergeant at the same agency, is accused of shooting her and staging the death as a suicide. The couple had recently argued, and Anthony resigned under investigation. He was indicted on first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges. Ellie, known for her mentorship and leadership, joined the sheriff's office in 2011​. Anthony Shea, indicted for the first-degree murder of his wife, Lt. Eloilda "Ellie" Shea, is expected to face trial, though no specific trial date has been set. If convicted, the maximum penalty in Florida for first-degree murder is the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Shea, a former sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, was arrested after staging the crime as a suicide. His trial will depend on the legal proceedings following his arraignment and other pre-trial hearings​.

https://www.newsbreak.com/law-crime-520571/3639968382173-former-florida-sheriff-s-deputy-allegedly-killed-his-estranged-wife-who-also-worked-as-a-sheriff-s-deputy-staged-her-murder-as-a-suicide-then-went-to-publix-with-their-children

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/former-deputy-indicted-first-degree-murder-his-deputy-wife/NPOAOVXJPRBFNPERSWKQIAFABQ/

Officer Jacob Moss was in mental health crisis and reportedly suicidal. When police arrived, he shot and injured to officers. Police killed him.

https://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/officers-injured-when-detroit-police-sergeant-opened-fire-on-them-released-from-hospital

Officer Enoch Hurd was killed in a crash on duty.

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2024/10/26/494596/Collegedale-Motor-Officer-Involved-In.aspx

On 10/13/2024, Detective Michael O. McEntee of the New York City Police Department died from cancer attributed to his assignment in rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27733-detective-michael-o-mcentee

A Jacksonville probation officer was fatally shot when he tried to intervene in an altercation at the gas station.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqYg_JsSKoY

On 10/09/2024, Detective Maurice “Mo” Joseph of the Norfolk Police Department died from cancer attributed to his volunteer assignment participating in search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27188-detective-maurice-mo-joseph
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/articles/va-officer-who-volunteered-to-serve-at-ground-zero-dies-from-9-11-related-illness-1TJHYz4u0Tp89X6V/
https://x.com/ATFHQ/status/1848394603054915772
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/maurice-joseph-obituary?id=56551185

On 10/08/2024, Deputy Sheriff Timothy Wayne Stanley Johns died after collapsing and striking his head on the pavement while serving as a School Resource Officer at Brookwood High School at 12250 George Richmond Parkway; he was transported to Druid City Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27338-deputy-sheriff-timothy-wayne-stanley-johns
https://www.tuscaloosamemorial.com/obituaries/Timothy-Wayne-Stanley-Johns?obId=33358559
https://www.facebook.com/TCSOAL/posts/today-on-the-anniversary-of-his-line-of-duty-passing-we-honor-deputy-timothy-way/1249124570582356/

On October 6, 2024, Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim, a 31-year veteran of the National Park Service, drowned while attempting to rescue a family stranded on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. The family, who had been caught in rough weather with winds over 40 mph and 5-6 ft waves, had called for help. Grossheim successfully reached the family and was towing their boat back to the mainland when his own vessel capsized. While the family swam to safety, Grossheim went missing. His body was recovered after a three-hour search.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27184-park-ranger-kevin-melvin-grossheim

Atlanta PD officer, Aubree Horton was shot and killed after he broke into someone’s home. The homeowner shot him in self-defense. It is unclear what the officer wanted in his neighbor’s home.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/off-duty-atlanta-detective-shot-killed-while-breaking-douglas-county-home-deputies-say

Decatur reserve Officer Josh Brandes died in a motorcycle crash.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article293347874.html

Deputy Lex Allen Love of the Wise County Sheriff’s Office died in a single vehicle crash on duty.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-texas-sheriff-deputy-killed-163347810.html

On 10/01/2024, Detective Clarence E. Word, III died from cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27191-detective-clarence-e-word-iii
https://www.jamesromanellistephen.com/obituaries/Clarence-E-Word-III?obId=33283031
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/articles/former-nypd-officer-dies-from-9-11-related-illness-z5MCF7sfD8W6Xbxc/

Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, a 20-year veteran of the Cameron County Constable's Office, was tragically killed when a white Chevy Silverado rear-ended his patrol vehicle on September 30, 2024. The collision occurred while Garcia was parked along State Highway 48 near Marina Bay Road, assisting at a traffic incident.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27165-deputy-constable-ruben-garcia

Constable Shane R. Eyre, a 29-year-old officer with the Vienna Town Constable's Office in New York, died on September 30, 2024, after collapsing during a Shotgun Operator Course in Lafayette. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and transport to a local hospital, he could not be resuscitated.
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Constable Eyre had served for three years and was also employed as a veterinary technician. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, and a sister.
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In summary, while Constable Eyre's death is officially considered a medical emergency during training, a thorough investigation into the training environment, safety measures, and his health status is necessary to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27162-constable-shane-r-eyre

On September 29, 2024, Valencia County Sheriff's deputies responded to multiple calls regarding a neighbor dispute involving gunfire on the 100 block of La Ladera Road in Los Lunas, New Mexico. The dispute was between former deputy Michael Gabaldon and his neighbor, Thomas Rodriguez. Deputies had been called to the scene earlier in the day due to reports of Rodriguez firing a gun in his backyard. After attempting to de-escalate the situation and failing to get Rodriguez to exit his home, deputies left the scene. Shortly after, they received another call reporting that shots had been fired. Upon returning, deputies encountered Gabaldon armed with a gun. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Gabaldon did not comply, leading a deputy to fire a shot that struck him in the shoulder. He died at his home. The New Mexico State Police are investigating the incident.

https://www.koat.com/article/valencia-county-deputy-involved-shooting/63295134

On 09/28/2024, Court Officer Charles James Lau of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office was killed when his vehicle was swept away by rushing floodwaters during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene; his body was later recovered from the river.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27329-court-officer-charles-james-lau
https://endofwatchride.com/2024/09/court-officer-charles-james-lau/
https://abc11.com/post/helene-western-nc-deputy-jim-lau-dies-truck-goes-river-macon-madison-county/15375263/

Two off-duty Shreveport PD officers crashed in a collision, killing one officer, injuring the other.

https://www.ksla.com/2024/10/08/shreveport-police-mourning-loss-officer-matthew-rhoden-badge-1660/

On 09/27/2024, Major Michelle Lynn Quintero of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office died after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to reach her patrol vehicle during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Madison County.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27218-major-michelle-lynn-quintero
https://www.blueridge-funeral-service.com/memorials/major-michelle-quintero/5505210/
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michelle-quintero-obituary?id=56652936
https://wlos.com/news/local/community-mourns-madison-county-deputy-remembered-everyones-mom

Deputy Dennis Boyd collapsed and died at work from an unspecified medical emergency.

https://www.officer.com/features/honoring-the-fallen/video/55143011/mo-sheriffs-deputy-dies-after-collapsing-at-headquarters

On 09/26/2024, Patrol Officer Dale Coski died from complications of injuries she sustained after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist on Interstate 70 on 09/12/1983; she lived with the resulting disabilities before passing in 2024.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27316-patrol-officer-dale-coski

Deputy Asson Hacker, a 33-year-old officer with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, died on September 23, 2024, following participation in a physically demanding training exercise known as the "Big Fight" at the Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Evansville. This exercise required recruits to engage in simulated combat with veteran officers.
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During his session, Deputy Hacker was paired with a senior officer who had more extensive combat training and a significant weight advantage. The encounter lasted approximately seven minutes, during which Hacker exhibited signs of severe exhaustion. Shortly after completing the exercise, he collapsed and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
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The Vanderburgh County Coroner's Office attributed Hacker's death to "exertional sickling" caused by his sickle cell trait, classifying it as a natural cause. However, medical experts have questioned this conclusion, noting that Hacker had no prior history of complications from the condition, even during strenuous activities such as college basketball and bodybuilding.
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Concerns have also been raised about the safety and relevance of the "Big Fight" training exercise. On the same day, another recruit suffered severe injuries during the exercise, highlighting potential systemic issues with the program. Critics argue that such drills may instill a combative mindset in officers and pose unnecessary risks to participants.
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In summary, while the official cause of Deputy Hacker’s death has been attributed to natural causes, the circumstances surrounding the training exercise and the subsequent handling of the incident warrant further investigation to ensure accountability and the implementation of safer training practices.

https://apnews.com/article/4d4b8e5c590938b22f4b59ee34fac3d9
https://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/new-details-revealed-from-wrongful-death-lawsuit-in-vanderburgh-county/

Officer David Lee of the St. Louis Police Department was attending to a vehicle crash on the I-70 in St. Louis when he was hit by a car and killed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU4hRldZCgo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TcJ_OF2OMo

On September 21, 2024, Lawrence David Orso, a 46-year-old San Diego Police Department officer, was arrested in Murrieta by the California Highway Patrol on suspicion of DUI with a reported blood alcohol level of 0.23%. He was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center and released on bail at approximately 8:26 a.m. He was later found unresponsive in the jail parking lot around 9:53 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported no signs of foul play. In 2025, Orso’s family filed a federal lawsuit against Riverside County, alleging wrongful death and negligence in his detention and release process, and seeking accountability for his preventable death.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-08/a-san-diego-police-officer-was-found-dead-outside-a-murrieta-jail-after-a-dui-arrest-his-family-is-suing

A Hillsboro County deputy collided with a flatbed trailer and died.

https://www.teamhcso.com/News/PressRelease/13a08a9a-a9c4-4ec9-a41a-cc953446b503/es-

On or around 09/20/2024, a police academy recruit with the San José Police Department died by suicide using a city-issued handgun while attending the department’s 26-week academy program. The recruit was considered a city employee during the training period. Sources say the recruit was grappling with personal life issues and was in a relationship with a fellow recruit. The department conducted an investigation, found no evidence of foul play, and declined to release further details citing privacy of the family.

https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-police-recruit-died-by-suicide-with-city-gun/

CBP agent Brandon Brown was killed in a two-car collision on his way to work in Nueces county on September 19, 2024.

https://www.kingsvillerecord.com/news/border-patrol-officer-dies-in-2-car-crash/article_1e75a0b4-75f1-11ef-a7cb-9b21bc730573.html

Houston police were called by a woman who said she heard gunshots and that a bullet had come through her ceiling. Police arrived and found the upstairs door unlocked and a 27-year-old female dead with multiple gunshot wants to her head. In the bedroom, police found her boyfriend, a 33-year-old Harris County patrol officer, also dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Police have not publicly identified either of them so far.

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/09/17/police-believe-harris-county-deputy-constable-involved-in-murder-suicide/

Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez was hit by a vehicle and killed on duty while he was investigating a vehicle crash on the road.

https://abc13.com/post/texas-dps-trooper-killed-ector-county-crash-kevin-ramirez-vazquez-highway-302/15381913/

Deputy Josh Phipps of the Russell County Sheriff’s office chased a man on foot home. His agency tried to arrest. He exchanged gunfire and both the officer and the man being pursued were killed.

https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/officer-reportedly-shot-in-incident-in-russell-spring-ky

A San Francisco Police officer took his life iafter admitting to falsifying race data in traffic stops. The officer had been one of the department's most prolific ticket writers and had misrepresented the race of individuals during traffic stops. This triggered an ongoing investigation into the possible tainting of data used to combat racial profiling. Despite his death, the investigation continues.

• https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/10/cop-investigated-for-falsifying-race-data-in-traffic-stops-killed-himself/
• https://brightgram.com/san-francisco-ca/5928535/cop-who-faked-race-data-in-traffic-stops-kills-himself/

On 09/14/2024, Sergeant Robert S. Fawcett, a retired member of the New York City Police Department who served for 21 years including as a detective and sergeant, died from cancer attributed to his participation in the World Trade Center search and recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

https://www.odmp.org/officer/27734-sergeant-robert-s-fawcett
https://matthewfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/2911/Robert-Fawcett/obituary.html
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/he-was-a-fighter-ret-nypd-sergeant-dies-from-9-11-related-illness/
https://vinnews.com/2024/09/21/retired-nypd-sergeant-who-led-9-11-recovery-efforts-dies-of-related-illness/

 A motorist traveling behind the motor carrier officer escorting a semi truck suddenly stopped, causing a white Ford explored crash into the back of it. The driver of the white truck died. Officer Kerstetter died in the hospital on 09/15/2024 from injuries sustained in the crash.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/09/16/michigan-state-police-officer-dies-injuries-lower-michigan-crash/

On September 12, 2024, Massachusetts State Police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, became unresponsive during a defensive tactics training exercise involving boxing at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to UMass Memorial Medical Center, he died the following day.
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The academy's on-site medical team responded promptly when Delgado-Garcia became unresponsive, determining he required urgent medical care.
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Family members have raised concerns about the circumstances leading to his death, reporting that he suffered severe brain trauma, a neck fracture, and broken teeth. His mother questioned the intensity of the training, stating, "I don’t understand why it was so rough if it was just training."
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The incident has prompted an independent investigation. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. recused his office due to Delgado-Garcia's prior employment there as a victim witness advocate. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell appointed veteran trial attorney David Meier to lead the investigation, emphasizing the need for an objective review.
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In response to the incident, the Massachusetts State Police suspended full-contact boxing training activities among recruits until further notice. Col. John Mawn Jr., head of the state police, stated, "The Massachusetts State Police grieves the tragic loss of Trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Reports have surfaced alleging grueling and hazing-like conditions at the academy. A former trainee, Giovani Jn-Baptiste, claimed he experienced bullying and racist remarks during his time at the academy, describing the environment as mentally abusive. He came forward and outlined his personal ordeal with racist hazing during training by the same LEO in which he was singled out to crawl on the floor and mop it with his clothing and body and other forms of humiliation. State Police have denied these allegations, asserting they do not tolerate any form of hazing, discrimination, or misconduct.
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Delgado-Garcia, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to Worcester at a young age. He earned an undergraduate degree from Westfield State University and served as a victim witness advocate in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office before joining the State Police Academy in April 2024. He was set to graduate on October 9.
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This tragic event has raised critical questions about the safety and oversight of training practices at the Massachusetts State Police Academy. The ongoing independent investigation aims to provide clarity and ensure accountability.
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Fred Taylor, head of the Worcester NAACP, urged the media to look into the training exercises of MSP.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/massachusetts-state-police-recruits-death-what-we-know-about-the-investigation/3489726/
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/09/19/reports-emerge-of-grueling-conditions-at-state-police-academy-following-recruits-death/
https://www.nbcboston.com/investigations/it-was-really-hurtful-former-msp-trainee-who-knew-dead-recruit-details-racist-bullying-allegations-at-academy/3491841/
https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-state-police-trainee-enrique-delgado-garcia-extreme-training-friend-interview/62245424
https://fallriverreporter.com/massachusetts-state-police-release-details-after-academy-trainee-passes-away-after-training-exercise/
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/massachusetts-state-police-recruit-dies-boxing-academy/
https://apnews.com/article/massachusetts-state-police-death-training-exercise-35d7304e3b01eb1e3e5d3c7785308e1a
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/09/23/boxing-training-suspended-massachusetts-police-academy-recruit-death/
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/25-investigates-source-reveals-new-details-death-beloved-msp-recruit/SEOJYOCIJZCYXMGIC3JXBGZ5TY/
https://www.newsweek.com/massachusetts-police-academy-boxing-training-injury-death-1957860
https://apnews.com/article/massachusetts-state-police-recruit-death-boxing-a075dbdaf139047fcd724945bf1d0f9c
https://apnews.com/article/8b7aa3bbc2828d5fcd0eda0c898605ff
https://people.com/massachusetts-state-police-recruit-dies-after-boxing-training-exercise-8713231
https://nypost.com/2024/09/15/us-news/mass-state-police-recruit-sworn-in-as-trooper-on-deathbed/
https://apnews.com/article/c25823025b5fa0d6dd27518a91315040

Corrections officer Addiel Ortiz crashed his motorcycle into a family vehicle, killing Easton Beisler in the backseat. The officer died also.

https://www.wbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/addiel-ortiz

Officer Jeremy Boykins, a 29-year-old member of the West Palm Beach Police Department, died on September 10, 2024, after experiencing a medical emergency during a training exercise. On September 9, Officer Boykins participated in tryouts for the department's Emergency Field Force team, a unit trained to handle civil unrest and riot situations. During the tryouts, he fell ill and was transported to Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he underwent surgery that evening. Despite medical efforts, he died the following morning.
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The specific nature of the medical emergency that led to Officer Boykins' death has not been disclosed, prompting questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The department has not provided detailed information regarding the events leading up to his illness during the training exercise. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the safety protocols in place during such high-intensity training sessions and whether adequate medical screenings and precautions were implemented to prevent such tragedies.
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While Officer Boykins' death is officially attributed to medical complications following a training exercise, the absence of detailed information about the incident necessitates a thorough investigation.
 

https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-police-officer-dies-emergency-tryouts-boykins/62139771
https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/west-palm-beach-police-department-mourns-loss-of-dedicated-officer
https://www.police1.com/officer-down/fla-officer-dies-after-becoming-ill-during-tryout-for-department-field-force-team
https://cbs12.com/news/local/west-palm-beach-police-department-wpbpd-mourns-loss-of-officer-who-fell-ill-during-tryouts-good-samaritan-medical-center-emergency-field-force-tryouts-south-florida-news-september-10-2024
https://bocanewsnow.com/2024/09/10/young-palm-beach-county-police-officer-dies/

Former officer Antonio Caprara was recently fired for undisclosed reasons from Toms River PD. On 09/08/2024, he was killed in a crash when his motorcycle collided with a dirt bike.

https://dailyvoice.com/nj/toms-river/south-toms-river-officer-killed-in-parkway-crash-treated-friends-like-gold-fundraiser/