Cleveland Police Recruit Dies after Medical Emergency During Agility Test
By Kaylee Remington
Source cleveland.com
What to know
- Cleveland police recruit Cortez Smith died Saturday after a medical emergency during a physical agility test on Friday.
- He was rushed to the hospital, but his condition rapidly worsened despite efforts to save him.
- The cause of death has not been released, and no details were disclosed concerning the type of medical emergency Smith suffered.
CLEVELAND—The Cleveland Division of Police is mourning the unexpected loss of recruit Cortez Smith, who died Saturday following a medical emergency during a routine physical agility test the day before, the department said.
According to police officials, the incident occurred on Friday during the final fitness portion of training for Academy Class #158. Emergency aid was immediately provided, and Smith was taken to a local hospital, police said.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, his condition worsened rapidly, and he was pronounced dead Saturday, police said.
“We are all deeply affected by this incident,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy A. Todd said in a statement.
She expressed condolences to Smith’s family and urged fellow recruits and officers to support one another through the grief.
Mayor Justin Bibb released a statement, calling the recruit’s death “a profound loss to our city” and emphasizing the dedication and sacrifice of those who choose careers in public service.
“We carry his memory with honor,” Bibb said.
The police department is asking for privacy on behalf of Smith’s family during this difficult time, while the community and department continue to process the loss. No additional information has been released regarding the specific cause of his death, police said.
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