A police officer from Columbia, South Carolina, died during SWAT team training after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Master Police Officer (MPO) Tyrell Owens Riley was completing a Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Assessment with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) before tragedy struck.
“During the physical fitness training portion of the assessment, MPO Owens Riley became ill,” CPD said in a statement.
Officer Riley was rushed to Providence Hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest and later died.
“A Columbia native, MPO Owens Riley has served with CPD for the past 7 ½ years and was most recently assigned as a patrol officer in Metro Region,” CPD said.
“Prior to his law enforcement career with CPD, Owens Riley served with distinction with the United States Marine Corps.”
The funeral arrangements for the officer have yet to be finalized.
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Sauna Riley, Riley’s mother, posted about her son’s death on social media, asking people to respect their privacy.
“FB Family my heart is broken, but I just want to inform you all that earlier today my oldest son Tyrell Owens-Riley passed away, my family & I are devastated by our loss, please keep my family in prayer as we grieve & process our loss…Please do not ask us what happened,” Sauna Riley said.
Meanwhile, tributes have flooded in following the news of Tyrell Riley’s death.
“Tonight, we share the devastatingly sorrowful news that #ColumbiaPDSC Master Police Officer Tyrell Owens-Riley passed away today,” CPD posted.
“We ask for thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and the CPD.”
