Hero Down: Virginia State Police Trooper Jeffery Harris Dies Unexpectedly

Arrington, VA – Virginia State Police (VSP) Trooper Jeffery “Jeff” Harris died on May 5, according to his family.

The 42-year-old trooper passed away with his wife by his side, according to his obituary.

Trooper Harris’ exact cause of death was not released.

The Virginia State Police Association (VSPA) confirmed Trooper Harris’ passing later that day.

“With great sadness, the Virginia State Police Association announces the death of Trooper Jeffery Ryan Harris,” the VSPA said in a press release. “The Virginia State Police Association, in behalf of our Members, send our sincere condolences to Trooper Harris’ Family. Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy.”

Trooper Harris joined the VSP in 2016 and was assigned to Division III, Area 18 in Nelson County after graduating from the 125th Basic Session academy in March of 2017.

He was serving with the VSP’s Safety Division Area 63 at the time of his death.

Wintergreen Fire and Rescue (WFR) said it worked closely with Trooper Harris during his years of service.

“In a small rural county like Nelson, nearly all first responders know one another,” WFR said in a Facebook post on May 7. “In the middle of the night there is typically only one staffed ambulance and one State Trooper. The same responders work with one another over and over again.”

“Trooper Jeff Harris always made our crews feel safe, and our entire team really enjoyed working with him,” the agency’s post read. “He went out of his way to actually get to know our team on a personal level… Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family, as well as his extended law-enforcement family.”

Trooper Harris leaves behind his wife, Brooke, as well as his four children, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his parents, brother, nephew, nieces, and numerous friends and extended family members.

Trooper Harris was laid to rest on May 12.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Virginia State Police Trooper Jeffery “Jeff” Harris, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

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