Sandy MaloneHouston, TX – Houston Police Department Senior Police Officer Jerry Flores died Thursday morning, more than two years after he fell off a golf cart and suffered a serious head injury off-duty at a police fundraiser.
Officer Flores, then 53, was at the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club golf tournament on April 12, 2018 when he fell off a golf cart and hit his head on the pavement, according to KPRC.
The officer was immediately knocked unconscious.
Another officer was driving the cart when Officer Flores lost his balance and fell, according to KTRK.
The injured officer was transported to the Cy-Fair Medical Center where he underwent surgery, according to KPRC.
He remained in a coma for several weeks, KHOU reported.
Officer Flores’ long-term prognosis was initially good and hundred of law enforcement supporters helped to raise money to cover the medical expenses his family incurred for his treatment after the off-duty accident.
The Houston Astros held a benefit to help offset some of Officer Flores medical costs because he had also worked as an off-duty officer for their team, KTRK reported.
He had even received a World Series championship ring for his efforts on behalf of the baseball team.
Officer Flores was eventually able to open his eyes and respond to his name but he never fully recovered, KTRK reported.
On Oct. 1, more than two-and-a-half years after he suffered the skull fracture, Officer Flores died, KHOU reported.
Houston Police Officers’ Union President Joe Gamaldi announced that Officer Flores had passed away in a tweet on Thursday morning.
With his incredible family’s permission, I am sad to report our dear friend and retired HPD Officer Jerry Flores passed away this morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.
RIP brother you are a legend and will be missed by all.
— Joe Gamaldi (@JoeGamaldi) October 1, 2020
Gamaldi did not provide any additional information on the officer’s cause of death, KHOU reported.
Officer Flores was a 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department.
He was well-known for his public service and involvement in the Houston community, KHOU reported.
“Today we lost Senior Police Officer Jerry Flores, a kind, generous man who never met a stranger & did so much for so many. Jerry’s sister Lind, & his extended family loved him deeply & cared for him until his final breath. @houstonpolice is lifting the Flores family in prayer,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.
Social media was flooded with tributes to the popular police officer.
We have all lost an incredible friend this monring. One of my great friends, Houston Police Officer Jerry Flores has passed away. Those of us who personally knew Jerry and so many that only met him in passing would tell you that Jerry has no enemies. pic.twitter.com/d30utKADvK
— BK Klev’s Prison Break Tattoos (@PrisonBreakTatt) October 1, 2020
Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jerry Flores. He was everyone’s friend. He had a heart of gold and to know him was to love him. Gone far too soon. He had a life well lived and left a mark that will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace my friend. 🙏🏻 💔
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 1, 2020
He was always the life of the party and a friend to many.
Very sad to hear that Houston Police Officer Jerry Flores ~J-Flo~ passed away. I had not seen him since his accident, but he has been in my prayers. pic.twitter.com/zYxSXMBO1p— Mary Benton (@IAmMaryBenton) October 1, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Houston Police Department Senior Police Officer Jerry Flores, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Holly Matkin
