What to Know
- A 33-year-old police recruit, identified by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban as Probationary Officer Edgar Ordonez, was on what is described as the "exertion course" at Rodman's Neck around 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to a law enforcement source, when he became lightheaded and passed out.
- It is unknown at this time what exactly Ordonez was doing during the training exercise. It is also unknown if his death is considered heat-related.
- Ordonez was set to graduate in just days.
An NYPD recruit died after collapsing at the department's training facility in the Bronx, police said — just days before he was set to graduate.
The 33-year-old police recruit, identified by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban as Probationary Officer Edgar Ordonez, was on what is described as the "exertion course" at Rodman's Neck around 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to a law enforcement source, when he became lightheaded and passed out.
Ordonez was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was set to graduate from the police academy on Monday and officially join the department.
It is unknown at this time what exactly Ordonez was doing during the training exercise. Former NYPD Chief of Department Terry Monahan said the training course is mostly an outdoor firing range that is intended to give trainees experience high stress situations. The so-called "exertion course" is one of the last tasks for probationary officers to complete before they graduate.
It is also unknown if the medical emergency was in any way heat-related amid Wednesday's stifling temperatures.
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Caban shared his condolences in a post on X.
News
"Our hearts are heavy as we honor our fallen brother, Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez. We tragically lost Edgar earlier today, just a few days before he was set to graduate and join his fellow Finest protecting New York City," Caban's post read.
"As we continue to grieve this terrible loss, we will keep Edgar’s family, friends, and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers," the message continued.
The grieving family of Ordonez did not wish to speak to reporters, only saying that he was a loving brother and father. A family member said they were not aware of any underlying condition that could have contributed to his death.
Meanwhile, NYC PBA President Patrick Hendry also issued a statement on Ordonez's passing, calling it an "unimaginable loss."
“Our brother Police Officer Edgar Ordonez was a beacon of joy and positive energy for his fellow recruits. He had the drive and determination necessary to become a New York City police officer, and he was just days away from hitting the streets and making a difference in protecting our city. From the moment a police officer is sworn into the Police Academy, they become part of our Blue Family. Now we must focus on being there for his family as they deal with this unimaginable loss," said Hendry's statement.
In a tweet, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Ordonez "Ordonez was committed to protecting New Yorkers, and his journey has ended far too soon. The loss of a dedicated public servant is a reminder of just how dangerous this heat can be."
Additional information was not immediately available. The city's medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
