Hero Down: Los Angeles Police Officer Houston Tipping Dies Of Injury During Training Exercise

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Houston Tipping died in the line of duty on Sunday after suffering a massive injury during a training exercise late last week, according to his department.

The 32-year-old officer was participating in a grappling exercise with a fellow officer at the Elysian Park Academy on May 26 when he fell to the ground, resulting in a “catastrophic spinal injury,” the LAPD said, according to KABC.

Additional officers immediately began CPR before Officer Tipping was rushed to L.A. County-USC Medical Center in Boyle Heights, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The five-year LAPD veteran remained hospitalized until succumbing to his injuries on May 29, according to KABC.

“Tragedy struck & we have lost one of our own to a training accident that occurred this past Thursday at our Elysian Park Academy,” LAPD Chief Michel Moore tweeted on Sunday. “Despite the valiant efforts of his classmates and the medical staff at USCMD, Officer Houston Tipping could not recover.”

Chief Moore said Officer Tipping was an “uplifting young man with a full life in front of him.”

The officer, who worked as a patrol officer in the LAPD’s Devonshire Division, was also an organ donor, according to KTLA.

“May God Welcome him home & comfort his family, friends & partners,” the Chief Moore wrote.

The LAPD is currently investigating the accident to identify “any additional measures” they can take in order to “ensure such a tragedy is avoided in the future,” Chief Moore said, according to KABC.

Officer Tipping leaves behind his girlfriend, Britney, and his parents, Richard and Shirley.

Today our city lost one of its young heroes, LAPD Officer Houston Tipping. A 5-year veteran, Officer Tipping patrolled the neighborhoods of Devonshire and worked as a bike instructor. He loved serving as a police officer. pic.twitter.com/ktjsTA0h70

— Los Angeles Police Protective League (@LAPPL) May 29, 2022

https://t.co/lZ5X9AgsJz pic.twitter.com/BaaGIRBqfq

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) May 30, 2022

Our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Officer Houston Tipping. Today the city of Los Angeles lost one of its young Heroes, LAPD Officer Tipping. A five-year Veteran. RIP Officer Houston, we have the watch from here. May you rest in eternal peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/vxookPWFy9

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) May 30, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Houston Tipping, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.