Obituaries
Officer Joe Hernandez, 36, Dies After Terminal Illness
For the past year, Officer Hernandez battled esophageal cancer that spread to his abdominal lining, causing him to lose more than 100 lbs.
JOLIET, IL — Joliet Police Officer Joe Hernandez, who has been battling esophagus cancer for more than a year, died Tuesday at an area hospital, Joliet Patch has learned.
"With immense pain and sorrow, Joe took his last breath at 2:30 p.m. today," organizers posted on the GoFundMe called Joe's Journey from Cop to Cancer. "He was surrounded by family and loved ones as he took each fighting breath to celebrate his 9th wedding anniversary with Anna. He wants his legacy to live on in memories of happiness and smiles ... RIP Joe we love you."
Members of the Joliet Police Department were notified of the 36-year-old traffic patrolman's death.
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In August, Patch reported that the GoFundMe was set up in hopes of raising money for the Hernandez family after he lost 100 lbs since being diagnosed with esophagus cancer in August 2020.
Last week, Joliet Patch covered a fund-raiser held in Shorewood at the ATI Physical Therapy on Jefferson Street aimed at raising additional funds to help the Hernandez family.
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Joe Hernandez and his wife, Anna, had been married nine years, and they have three sons, ages 12, 6 and 4.
A traffic patrol officer, Hernandez was unable to work at the Joliet Police Department since last October.
"Please say a prayer for his family as we will continue to post updates for services to follow. RIP Joe, we love you," Tuesday's GoFundMe announced.
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