Holly MatkinSan Antonio, TX – Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Timothy De La Fuente died on April 30 due to complications of COVID-19.
Deputy De La Fuente, 53, was given a routine test for the novel coronavirus when he showed up for his shift two days before his death, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
He had no symptoms at that time, but quickly fell ill and called in sick on April 29 and 30, according to KABB.
Deputy De La Fuente’s wife was taking him to see a doctor on the morning he passed away.
“Right before leaving the residence, he excused himself to go to the restroom and then later his wife found him collapsed and deceased,” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told KABB.
His coronavirus test came back positive for COVID-19 after his death.
According to Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Deputy De La Fuente also suffered from underlying health issues, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
The fallen deputy’s body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, and the examiner determined that his death was caused by complications of COVID-19, according to KENS.
Deputy De La Fuente served the BCSO for 27 years, and was assigned to the Detention Bureau at the time of his death, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Sheriff Salazar said that Deputy De La Fuente died in the line of duty.
“I have every intention of laying him to rest with all the honor that’s due someone in that situation,” Sheriff Salazar told the San Antonio Express-News. “We’re going to lay him to rest with full honors.”
Deputy De La Fuente’s body was escorted from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home by a procession of law enforcement officers on Monday, WOAI reported.
“Please keep Deputy De La Fuente’s family in your prayers during this difficult time,” the BCSO said in a Facebook post.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Timothy De La Fuente, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.