Holly MatkinCornelius, NC – Cornelius Police Department (CPD) Officer Joshua Murray died unexpectedly on Dec. 29, 2021, due to a medical issue, according to his department.
The 28-year-old officer was off-duty when the medical emergency struck early that morning, the CPD said in a press release.
“We did all we could, but we could not save Joshua,” the Huntersville Fire Department said in a statement to WNCN. “We are sad that our community has lost such a young, dedicated, passionate public servant. Rest easy, brother.”
His exact cause of death was not released.
“It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the loss of one of our own, Officer Joshua Murray,” the CPD said. “We ask you to pray for his family as they mourn his sudden loss.”
Officer Murray joined the police department in April of 2019.
He was assigned to the Field Operation Division’s Lake Patrol Unit and also served on the agency’s Mobile Field Force Team, the CPD said.
“Officer Murray, you were a faithful and dedicated member of our department and your loss will leave an impact on our agency,” the agency said. “May you rest in eternal peace. We have the watch from here.”
Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam said the young officer’s death marked a “sad day” for the local community.
“My sincere condolences to his parents and the entire family. You are in my prayers,” Washam said in response to the CPD’s press release on Facebook.
Another person wrote that Officer Murray “was one of the finest human beings” he’d ever known.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever met a more gentle giant. May he rest in peace and light. Praying so hard for his sweet family right now,” the comment read.
Officer Murray’s celebration of life will be held Jan. 21, according to his obituary.
It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the loss of one of our own, Officer Joshua Murray. Officer Murray passed away this morning after an off-duty medical event. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the family of Officer Murray. Rest easy hero, we have watch from here. pic.twitter.com/wt5ZlRU052
— Cornelius Police Department (@CorneliusPD) December 29, 2021
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to an officer of the Cornelius Police Department. Joshua Murray lived a fruitful life, dedicated to protection and service.
You can learn more about him in this week's newsletter, available at https://t.co/yfNN7tBUGe. pic.twitter.com/tC00fCpbUu
— Town of Cornelius (@TownofCornelius) January 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Cornelius Police Department Officer Joshua Murray, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
