Tragedy struck the Oakland Police Department as Officer Jordan Wingate, 28, succumbed to injuries sustained nearly six years ago in a devastating on-duty collision. The young officer, honored as "Rookie of the Year" in 2018, fought bravely before passing away earlier today, as confirmed in an announcement from Paul Chambers of the Oakland Police Department.

Wingate's journey with the OPD began as a cadet in 2013 and progressed through him graduating from the 176th Basic Academy in May 2017. According to the statement by Paul Chambers, Wingate had been medically retired since March 2020, after the incident that occurred while responding to a report of a suspicious person on August 13, 2018. The collision involved his vehicle and a parked semi-truck, after striking another car, where he became trapped and critically injured.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported at the time that no other drivers were injured in the crash. Officers from the Oakland Fire Department had to extricate Wingate, who was later placed in a medically induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries.

There was immense support from the community for Officer Wingate, as illustrated by the GoFundMe account set up by his father to cover medical expenses, topping $55,000 in donations. "Officer Jordan Wingate has been a member of this OPD family his entire life," Captain Ersie Joyner told KTVU, while sharing memories of watching Wingate follow in his father's footsteps. The young officer also received commendation for his commitment to the community in a brief career tragically cut short.

Wingate, born in Walnut Creek, California, has become the 55th Oakland officer to be killed in the line of duty, leaving behind his retired OPD Captain father Randell Wingate and his family. Calls for respect towards the family and the department have been made during this time of mourning. Service arrangements for Officer Wingate will be communicated at a later date.