North Carolina Sheriff's Cadet Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency During Training
What to Know
- Cadet Ryan Ferreira was participating in a physical training assessment at Southwestern Community College when he experienced a medical emergency.
- Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite efforts, Ferreira was pronounced dead at Angel Medical Center.
- The incident has profoundly impacted the local community, college staff, and law enforcement officials, who are mourning his loss.
FRANKLIN, North Carolina -- The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina is mourning the death of a cadet who suffered a medical emergency during basic law enforcement training.
Cadet Ryan Phillip Ferreira, 26, experienced a medical emergency Thursday morning while participating in a physical training assessment with Basic Law Enforcement Training Class 93 at Southwestern Community College’s Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center in Franklin, according to a news release.
Training staff and fellow cadets immediately initiated life-saving measures. Macon County Emergency Medical Services and Fire-Rescue personnel arrived at the facility within seven minutes, the agency said. Ferreira was transported to Angel Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
“This is an extremely difficult day for Ryan’s family, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, his fellow cadets, SCC training staff, and the Western North Carolina community,” Sheriff Doug Farmer said in a statement. “We are grateful for his dedication to serve our community, and his loss is devastating.”
Ferreira was hired by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 12, 2026, which marked his first day in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program, according to the agency.
Southwestern Community College officials also issued statements expressing condolences and support for Ferreira’s family, classmates, and training staff.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the sudden passing of our student, who was taken from us far too soon,” said Dr. Don Tomas, president of Southwestern Community College. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends as we mourn this profound loss together as a community.”
Curtis Dowdle, the college’s dean of public safety training, said the loss has deeply affected those at the training center.
“This tragedy cut short the life of a promising young man, who was dedicated to serving all of us,” Dowdle said. “Like everyone at the Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center, I am completely heartbroken.”
The sheriff’s office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.