Second Denver sheriff’s deputy dies from COVID-19 in connection to downtown jail
Deputy Daniel “Duke” Trujillo died Wednesday evening because of complications from COVID-19, according to the Denver Sheriff Department — the second deputy to die from the virus.
Trujillo, 33, worked with the sheriff’s department for seven years. Most recently, he was assigned to the Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center in downtown Denver. Before his time with the department, Trujillo served in the Marine Corps.
He is survived by his fiancé, their 3-year-old child and his parents, according to the Denver Sheriff Fraternal Order of Police. Trujillo’s family was with him in the hospital when he died.
“It is with great sadness that we share (Trujillo) passed away,” the department said in a release. “We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Trujillo is the second Denver sheriff’s deputy to die from COVID-19. On May 16, just 10 days before Trujillo’s death, 51-year-old deputy James Herrera died from COVID-19, according to the department.
Herrera, a 25-year veteran of the department, was also assigned to the downtown Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center.
According to state data, there has been an active COVID-19 outbreak in the detention center since April 30. At least 107 of the detention center’s staff members and 1,154 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19.
Trujillo and Herrera will be the first confirmed COVID-19 deaths in connection to the detention center, according to the state data.
“This organization is asking for prayers and support for all of our brothers and sisters of the Denver Sheriff Department,” the Denver Sheriff Fraternal Order of Police said in a release.
“This is a tremendous blow to all of them to lose two colleagues, friends and brothers within 10 days. These officers need your support.”





