Holly MatkinOrange County, FL – Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Deputy Michael “Mike” Milmerstadt died on Sunday, nearly one week after he suffered a brain injury during a training session at the gym.
The off-duty deputy began experiencing a severe headache after his workout session on March 20, and doctors subsequently determined he had suffered a “serious brain injury,” the OCSO said in a press release.
Deputy Milmerstadt was subsequently placed on life support.
The OCSO announced on March 23 that the young deputy would not recover.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you Deputy Michael Milmerstadt’s family has said goodbye to him,” the sheriff’s office said in an update. “Mike remains on life support because it’s his wish and their wish that he provide a chance at life to others through organ donation. Please keep his wife, their boys and his loved ones in your thoughts.”
Deputy Milmerstadt passed away on March 26.
“Deputy Michael Milmerstadt gave the ultimate gift today – one that could save the lives of eight people,” the OCSO said. “The organ donation was completed this morning & now we begin the process of laying him to rest.”
He served the sheriff’s office for seven years and was a member of the agency’s SWAT team, WVUE reported.
Deputy Milmerstadt leaves behind his wife, Melanie, and their three young sons.
A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $190,000 so far.
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, support and love you have shown us,” the fallen deputy’s family said in a statement on Sunday. “We are devastated that despite all of our prayers, nothing could be done to save Mike.”
The family said Deputy Milmerstadt was an “amazing father, husband, son, friend, and deputy,” and that his happiest moments were the ones he shared with his wife and sons.
“Mike loved his family, loved his work and his colleagues…His departure leaves a painful void that can never be filled,” his family said. “We want to thank Mike’s colleagues at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for wrapping their arms around our entire family, and holding us tight as we made our way through this devastating journey.”
On Monday, after a training session at the gym, OCSO Deputy Michael Milmerstadt had a bad headache, which we now know is a serious brain injury. We are praying for him & his young family. Mike is a member of the COPS squad & #SWAT
If you can help: https://t.co/5iWi6aktDP— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 23, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we inform you Deputy Michael Milmerstadt’s family has said goodbye to him. Mike remains on life support because it’s their wish that he provide a chance at life to others through organ donation.
Please pray & help if you can:https://t.co/m67Xr7tNCz pic.twitter.com/U3tsvCzyyV— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 23, 2023
Deputy Michael Milmerstadt gave the ultimate gift today – one that could save the lives of eight people. The organ donation was completed this morning, & now we begin the process of laying him to rest.
His family has a long road ahead. If you can help: https://t.co/aaKeGNstuF pic.twitter.com/v12uAHRYPY— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 26, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Deputy Michael “Mike” Milmerstadt, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
