Coronavirus Claims Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Thursday announced the first death of a deputy from the COVID-19 virus.

"We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our own RSO family members, Deputy Terrell Young," the sheriff's department said Thursday morning on Twitter.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a released statement, "It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I must announce the passing of one of our RSO family members. Deputy Terrell Young passed away this morning after a week-long battle with COVID-19. He was the first in our Department to test positive for this virus. Deputy Young proudly served Riverside County for 15 years. Our prayers go out to his family and friends as we suffer through this loss."

Young was most recently assigned to the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta, where a coronavirus outbreak was announced Thursday evening by Bianco. The deputy contracted the disease while on duty. He passed away in Murrieta. READ: Coronavirus Outbreak At Murrieta Jail: Dozens Sickened, 1 Dead

In recently released videos from Bianco, the sheriff said deputies and department employees are unable to fully practice social distancing while on the job.

Young began his career with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department on December 8, 2005, and worked assignments at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, Perris Station, Court Services, Southwest Station, and Cois Byrd Detention Center.

The sheriff's department is seeing an outpouring of support for Young, his wife and four children, but Bianco said it's difficult because there will be no gatherings to honor the deputy — a tradition in law enforcement.

The sheriff described Young as a "fantastic role model" to his kids and a man fellow deputies could "count on for good advice. He was compassionate in dealing with the public and inmates. He was known for his smile and will be deeply missed."

Bianco called on the public to pay tribute to Young in this way: "If you want to honor his death, stay home ... quit committing crimes."

A statement from Riverside County Sheriff's Association president Bill Young read, "I have been in touch with his family and they are requesting privacy at this time. Our association family, and law enforcement family as a whole, mourns with all of you, and our deepest sympathy and prayers extend to the family of Deputy Terrell Young. Please stay safe and take care of one another during these unprecedented, extremely difficult times."

Prior to joining the department, Young worked as an enrollment counselor at California Baptist University in Riverside and National University in Orange County, according to his LinkedIn page. He also worked as an admissions counselor at the University of Phoenix and spent a year as an investment adviser in Orange County.

Young is survived by his wife and four children.

—City News Service contributed to this report.

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