Frisco Police Chief John Bruce said his department is hurting, mourning the unexpected death of a police cadet who was days away from graduating and joining the force.
Chris Murray, 31, was in strenuous training at the Denton Police Academy just over two weeks ago when he collapsed, suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle disease that can damage the kidneys. He was immediately taken to a hospital and treated, but he had several complications and died this week.
"Cadet Murray was already a valued member of the team to begin with," said Chief John Bruce. "He was already an established member of our department. We interacted with him and saw him everyday, and now we won't."
Murray was a Frisco 9-1-1 dispatcher for four years, but his dream was to serve as an officer in the field. His family said he was eager to become a part of the Frisco Police Department.
"Chris was that kind of person where he wanted to give back to the community and serve them," Bruce said.
Rhabdomyolysis is the same disease that sickened 8 TWU volleyball players earlier this year. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but is often a result of overexertion.
Frisco Police do not have their own police academy, so they partner with several area academies including in Denton, where Frisco officers assist with instruction for their cadets.
"There will be a review of the circumstances," said Bruce. "But I know that as a training group, they do what you're supposed be doing. They have people there watching you. They're helping you. They make sure people are taking in fluids. And medical care was right there."
"What we do in the policing world is a tough job, and we have to be physically fit to do so," Bruce added.