An Oklahoma City police cadet died after a freak accident during a routine police academy training exercise, police said.
Kelley Chase, 38, suffered head trauma on Friday, resulting in his death Saturday, police Capt. Dexter Nelson said. The accident happened during a police academy training session in self-defense, Nelson said Sunday. An internal investigation into the accident and death is ongoing.
Those in the legal community were quick to offer condolences.
In a Facebook post, District Attorney David Prater described Chase as a military veteran with two small children who had chosen a law enforcement career in order to spend more time with his family.
“Their job is very dangerous and training for the job involves dangerous activities that prepare cadets for the job they will face upon graduation from the academy,” Prater wrote. “Please keep this hero's family in your prayers and all of our OCPD family as well.”
Prater added via phone on Sunday that Chase was a registered organ donor.
“He even wanted to give after he died,” Prater said.
Juliana Keeping is a reporter covering breaking news, crime, homelessness and other topics in Oklahoma City for The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com. Previous gigs have stints in the Chicago media at the SouthtownStar (Then, The Star) and at a start-up...
