An Orange County Sheriff’s Office SWAT deputy who experienced a headache after a gym training session, has passed away after doctors found a serious brain injury.
On Sunday, March 26, deputy Michael Milmerstadt was laid to rest less than a week after developing a severe headache and being rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Milmerstadt was kept alive on life support to provide his organs to eight other individuals in one final act before his death.
On Monday, March 20, Milmerstadt was training and experienced a headache that medical professionals diagnosed as a serious brain injury.
Milmerstadt, who is the father of three young boys, worked for OCSO for the past seven years. He was a member of the Community Oriented Policing Squad (COPS) and the agency’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
Milmerstadt was the sole breadwinner for his family and, as such, a GoFundMe has been established in his name to help his family. The family issued this statement following his passing:
“We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, support and love you have shown us. We are devastated that despite all of our prayers, nothing could be done to save Mike. Mike is an amazing, father, husband, son, friend and deputy. Nothing made him happier than being with his wife Melanie and their boys. Mike loved his family, loved his work and his colleagues, and loved Mixed Martial Arts. His dedication to all of those things made him a great husband, father, deputy and fighter. We know he’s been fighting all week in the most important bout of his life. His departure leaves a painful void that can never be filled. We want to thank Mike’s colleagues at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for wrapping their arms around our entire family, and holding us tight as we made our way through this devastating journey. We are so grateful to all of you who have contributed to the GoFundMe. Melanie and the kids will need all of that support as they attempt to move forward. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.“
To make a contribution, visit the SWAT Deputy Michael Milmerstadt brain injury GoFundMe webpage.