Holly MatkinNorwalk, CA – South Gate Police Department (SGPD) Detective Alexis Gonzalez died in an off-duty vehicle crash on Sunday night.
Det. Gonzalez was driving in the area of Firestone Boulevard and the 605 Freeway when he somehow lost control of his vehicle and crashed, the SGPD said in a press release on Monday.
The injured officer was rushed to Saint Francis Medical Center, where he passed way.
The exact cause of the fatal collision was not immediately released.
Police shut down the freeway on- and off-ramps at Firestone Boulevard to conduct the crash investigation, CBS News reported.
The SGPD said it is “heartbroken” over the loss of the five-year department veteran.
“We ask the you keep the González family and our department in your prayers,” the department said. “We thank all of our law enforcement partners for their support during this difficult time.”
Det. Gonzalez leaves behind his parents and two brothers.
A police procession escorted the fallen detective’s body from the hospital in Lakewood to the coroner’s office in Lincoln Heights on Monday, KABC reported.
The SGPD has also set up a memorial outside police headquarters in honor of Det. Gonzalez, according to CBS News.
The memorial included a SGPD cruiser, flowers, and a large photo of Det. Gonzalez in uniform.
It was covered in notes, bouquets, balloons, and pictures on Tuesday, KCBS reported.
A public vigil was scheduled to take place Tuesday night.
Condolences to @SouthGatePD and the González family on the passing of Detective Alexis González, killed last night in a car accident while off-duty. @foxla pic.twitter.com/M73Ou83aTS
— Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) April 25, 2022
In honor of Detective Alexis González, of the @SouthGatePD, who died on Sunday, I decided to place the #ThinBlueLine flag for the rest of the week. @bluelivesmtr, @BlueWalkPoconos, & @SouthGateCAgov, I feel your pain. #BlueLivesMatter #LawEnforcement pic.twitter.com/C18d7UU7Xt
— Melvin (@melvinrocker) April 25, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of South Gate Police Department Detective Alexis Gonzalez, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
