Santa Monica Mourns Officer Who Drowned To Death In Hawaii

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica police officer Rashad Riley died in a drowning accident while on the island of Kauai, the Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association (SMPOA) announed Wednesday.

Riley, who died April 12, leaves behind his wife and three children, SMPD said. Riley was a "beloved friend" to everyone that knew him, and a mentor to local children in the Santa Monica Police Explorer and Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) programs, the press release said.

He served at SMPD for the past three years with "great pride, courage and integrity," SMPD said.

"Officer Riley was a cherished member of the Department’s Homeless Liaison Program. With an infectious and genuine smile, he always demonstrated compassion and empathy when interacting with the community," the press release said.

Riley will be missed by his SMPD family and the community members he touched.

A fundraiser was established to collect donations on behalf of Riley’s family. For more information, visit the GoFundMe.

Please contact the SMPOA Office at poa@smgov.net, or (310) 393-1003 regarding donations by check.

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