New Haven Police Officer Dies Suddenly in South Carolina

NEW HAVEN, CT — The New Haven Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Matthew Myers, who died suddenly on Tuesday while visiting family in South Carolina. He was 49.

“The New Haven Police Department has lost a caring officer and an amazing human being,” police spokesman Officer David Hartman said in a press release. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Matthew have lost a dear friend.”

The cause of death wasn't immediately known.

Myers grew up in South Carolina. He attended Choppee High School in Georgetown, S.C. and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from South Carolina State University where he attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the Army ROTC. He entered the New Haven Police Academy in February of 1998.

Myers is survived by his son Davonte Myers, his mother, Theopia Myers and seven brothers and sisters including New Haven Police Officer Carl Myers (Ret.).

Myers has a large extended family who are serving or have served on the New Haven Police Department, including cousins Sergeant Joseph Dease, Detective Dana Martin, Officer Terrence McNeil, Officer Dewlyne Ponteau (Ret.), Detective James ponteau (Ret.), Officer Quintarus McArthur and Detective Hilden Wright (Ret.).

Funeral services for Officer Myers will be in Georgetown, S.C., in the coming days and are currently being planned. An announcement will be made once they have been.