LA Deputy, 30, Dies After Medical Emergency During Baker To Vegas Relay

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy died after suffering a medical emergency while participating in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race, according to the sheriff’s department.

Deputy Levi Vargas, of the San Dimas Sheriff’s station, died Saturday at the age of 30, the agency announced Sunday.

“He was known among his colleagues and friends for his professionalism, commitment, and compassion to our communities,” the sheriff’s department said in a post on X on Sunday afternoon, identifying Vargas as the deceased. “His loss is deeply felt across our Department, and he will be greatly missed.”

Vargas joined the sheriff’s department in 2015 as a custody assistant and went on to serve in several assignments, according to the agency.

The Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, a weekend-long, 120-mile foot race run by teams of law enforcement officials, began Saturday. The high temperature was 92 degrees in Las Vegas on Saturday, according to AccuWeather, which reported the high was 89 degrees in Baker.

“The Deputy was among numerous law enforcement personnel representing their agencies at this annual event when the medical emergency occurred,” the sheriff’s department said in a prepared statement Sunday morning. “Despite receiving medical care, the Deputy ultimately passed away from their injuries.”

Vargas is survived by his wife, parents, siblings and extended family.