JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATE: Son of JSO recruit who died after training: ‘He was everything to me’
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said recruit Tony Alexander Cephas, 43, died Thursday during training at Florida State College at Jacksonville's Florida Law Enforcement Academy.
Cephas leaves behind two children and a wife.
JSO Director of Investigations Ron Lendvay said Cephas began training on March 18.
TRENDING:
- New rules: Disney parks will soon be smoke-free, and that's not all
- Amber Alert issued for missing toddler Baylee Sue Peeples, believed to be in extreme danger
- South Carolina fifth-grader dies days after classroom fight
- Mugshots: 4 arrested, accused of pocketing millions in taxpayer money in Camden County
Lendvay said Cephas and the other recruits were taking a water break after 15 minutes of exercise when an instructor noticed Cephas appeared to be in discomfort.
Paramedics were already at the academy in case of an emergency during training, according to Lendvay.
Cephas was taken to the hospital, where he died.
According to JSO, it appears to be a medical episode, but JSO's homicide unit is still investigating as precaution.
Lendvay said he was not aware of any other recruits having a medical episode during Thursday’s training.
He said Cephas had a military background and had done well during his physical training there.
#JSO tells me it's likely Tony Alexander Cephas, recruit who died during training today, is in these images. This photo of JSO recruits was taken on March 18, the day Cephas began training. JSO says he appears to have had "medical episode" during physical training @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/6S5kirWD8j
— Jenna Bourne (@jennabourneWTSP) March 28, 2019
Cox Media Group
