OfficerBlueReserve Deputy Castroll was competing in a mountain biking race on Friday morning, August 11, according to the Merced Sun-Star. Another rider who was also competing, found him unresponsive on the course about 9:30 AM.
He was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia in full cardiac arrest and he died at around 11:15 AM.
According to the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Reserve Deputy Castroll was thrown from his bike after apparently suffering a heart attack. Reserve Deputy Castroll had been a reserve deputy for the Malibu and Lost Hills areas since 2010.
The World Police and Fire Games was founded in 1985 and gives “police officers, firefighters, customs and corrections officers from around the world” a chance to show their athletic ability, according to the association’s website.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sergeant Tui Wright of the Lost Hills station said, “We’re terribly floored and upset at the loss.” Sergeant Wright said, “He was a pleasure to work with and close to everybody.”
Reserve Deputy Castroll lived in Thousand Oaks, and had a “passion” for reserve work, which only pays $1 per year. He owned an insurance agency in Studio City, but volunteered with several LACSD units, including weapons training, custody, and DUI checkpoints. He was also part of the Sheriff’s disaster communications team.
He participated in the Police Unity Tour, and the Sheriff’s Department’s Memorial Torch Relay Run.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Reserve Deputy Jacob Castroll who was assigned to Malibu Lost Hills Station, We offer our prayers and condolences to his family, friends and partners during this difficult time.
“He was a Reserve with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for seven years and an accomplished cyclist. We honor his commitment to be part of our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Castroll is survived by his wife Rody, and three children, Victor, Lea, and Rica, according to SCVNews.com.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office is conducting the investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Reserve Deputy Jacob Castroll, both blood and blue. Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.