WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office announced Saturday that a 38-year-old sergeant has died due to complications from the coronavirus.
Sgt. Jose Diaz Ayala was battling other underlying health issues before contracting COVID-19, sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera said in a news release announcing the death.
Diaz Ayala began his career with the department in 2006, working as a corrections deputy before being promoted to sergeant in 2016.
His death was announced on the same day that Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said one of his deputies died after testing positive for COVID-19.
Diaz Ayala is survived by three daughters, two sisters, his mother and father.
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
A Message From Sheriff @RicBradshaw regarding the terrible loss of our Seargent, Jose Diaz Ayala due to the #coronavirus.
"To Protect Was Their Oath, To Honor Them Is Our Duty." pic.twitter.com/4I3NWqmrPg
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) April 5, 2020