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Okla. officer dies after being struck by hit-and-run driver

El Reno Police Sgt. Thomas Duran was struck while he was speaking with a pedestrian; he died a week later and “continues to serve” through organ donation, the PD said

Duran

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EL RENO, Okla. — Sgt. Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department has died a week after he was struck by a vehicle while speaking with a pedestrian on the side of the road, KOCO reported.

Duran, who had been hospitalized in critical condition since the Oct. 17 hit-and-run, died at 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 24, the department confirmed. He was remembered by fellow officers and departments across the state for his service, sacrifice and continued dedication through organ donation.

“It is with great sadness that I report... Sgt. Thomas Duran has passed away,” said Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police. “The organ donation process has begun and we trust that Thomas is being held in the loving arms of his Savior.”

In a statement, the El Reno Police Department said Duran’s decision to be an organ donor will help others.

“Sgt. Duran, even in death, continues to serve with selfless dedication,” the department wrote.

The investigation into the hit-and-run remains ongoing, according to the report. El Reno police previously released surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle and continue to ask for the public’s help in identifying the driver responsible.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com