STODDARD COUNTY, Mo. — A veteran law enforcement officer has died after suffering a medical event while responding to a call, KFVS reported.
Bernie Police Lt. Eddie Mays, 58, died on June 5 after suffering a medical emergency while attempting to arrest a suspect who was resisting. According to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s office, Mays had responded to a domestic violence call and had just
handcuffed the suspect when he experienced the emergency. He could not be resuscitated.
Authorities believe his death may have been due to complications from a medical condition. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has completed its investigation and submitted the case to the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
Mays served with the Bernie Police Department for 30 years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. He was also a United States Air Force Veteran. He is survived by his wife, two children and eight grandchildren.
In Mays’ honor, U.S. and Missouri flags were flown at half-staff on June 11 at all government buildings in Stoddard County, police stations, sheriff’s offices and Missouri State Highway Patrol facilities statewide. Gov. Kehoe ordered the tribute in recognition of Mays’ service.
