JSO recruit dies after suffering apparent medical episode

A 43-year-old recruit with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office died today after an apparent medical episode, police say.

JSO says Tony Alexander Cephas started at the academy 10 days ago and was previously in the military. He had been exercising with his class today and was experiencing health problems during a water break when a supervisor realized he needed to be examined.

Police say Cephas was taken to a hospital where he died. Director of Investigations and Homeland Security Ron Lendvay says it appears the death was a medical emergency, but the homicide unit is investigating. He says that is normal protocol with any undetermined death.

Lendvay says Cephas leaves behind a wife and two children.