Tragedy struck over the weekend as the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department grapples with the "unexpected" loss of Deputy Jonathan Stewart, age 41, who was found unresponsive while on duty. The deputy died Saturday night after first responders were called to the South LA station, around 9 p.m., for an ambulance regarding the incident.

Deputy Stewart had been a dedicated member of the LASD for 17 years—his death leaves behind a wife and three children, as he first joined the department as a custody assistant in 2006 and was later promoted to a field training officer in 2020, according to NBC Los Angeles and a statement by LASD on Facebook.

A poignant show of respect and grief was demonstrated through a procession that occurred Saturday; it saw dozens of patrol units escorting Stewart’s body from the South Los Angeles station near Normandie Avenue and the 105 Freeway to the medical examiner's headquarters in Boyle Heights. The procession was a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers take daily, Stewart's body was moved posthumously, flanked by his brethren in blue who honored his years of service to the community, as reported by ABC7.

While an investigation into the cause of death is underway by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Deputy Stewart’s commitment to service has not gone unrecognized; "Jonathan dedicated a decade serving the South Los Angeles community, he was respected and highly regarded by his peers and supervisors for his unwavering commitment," the department said in a tribute—reflecting the impact of his absence on those who knew him and worked alongside him in the justice system, details KTLA.