A New Orleans police officer died Friday night after nearly a week in a coma.
Officer Vernell Brown was investigating a vehicle fire on the Pontchartrain Expressway near the Superdome on July 19 when he was struck by a car after stepping out of his patrol vehicle, according to WDSU-TV.
Brown was transported to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead five days later.
"It's (with) a very heavy heart and sad heart that I come to you this morning," New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Michael Harrison said Saturday morning. "Last night at round 8 p.m., Officer Vernell Brown passed away at University Hospital. We all remember his tragic accident last Sunday."
Harrison said Brown was one of the best fatality reconstruction investigators the NOPD has ever had.
"While it's hurting and while we're grieving, it's pulling us closer together," Harrison said. "We're seeing ourselves become more resilient. I'm very proud of Vernell, proud of the work he did. He will never be forgotten. He will be remembered forever."
The officer was described by his family and friends as humble, soft spoken, confident, competent, warm and loving.
He leaves behind a grieving family and a fiancee
Funeral arrangements are pending.
