A 41-year-old Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, Jonathan Stewart, died from a methamphetamine overdose while on duty at a sheriff’s station in April, according to authorities.
Stewart’s death, which occurred on April 27, was determined to be accidental by the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The medical examiner’s report confirmed that Stewart died from the effects of methamphetamine at a sheriff’s station. NBC Los Angeles had reported Stewart’s death shortly after it occurred, noting it happened while he was on duty at the South Los Angeles station.
A sheriff’s representative was not immediately available for comment on Thursday regarding the circumstances of Stewart’s death, including whether the department had prior concerns about his potential drug use or details about the frequency and methods of employee drug testing within the department.
In a statement released on April 29, the sheriff’s department expressed its profound sorrow over Stewart’s death. “His passing deeply saddened us,” the statement read.
Stewart had a long history with the department, having joined in 2006 and graduated from the academy the following year. “During his tenure, he was assigned to the Inmate Reception Center before transferring to South Los Angeles Station in 2014,” the statement continued. “In 2020, he was promoted to Field Training Officer, a position he held until his passing. Jonathan dedicated a decade to serving the South Los Angeles community. He was respected and highly regarded by his peers and supervisors for his unwavering commitment.”
The department’s statement also noted Stewart’s personal life, highlighting that he is survived by his wife and three children. The loss has left a significant impact on those who worked with him and the community he served.
The details surrounding the use of methamphetamine by a law enforcement officer raise serious questions about drug use within the force. However, without comments from the sheriff’s department, it remains unclear how prevalent this issue might be or what measures are in place to prevent such tragedies. The incident has undoubtedly prompted a re-evaluation of the department’s policies and support systems for its officers.
Stewart’s sudden and tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles that individuals, even those in positions of authority, may face. The sheriff’s department and the community are left to mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who served with distinction for many years.