A Lago Vista police patrol sergeant has died while off duty, just days after he was suspended amid a pending criminal investigation, city officials confirmed. Brandon Carey passed away on Wednesday, September 30, outside Lago Vista city limits, and authorities still had not released a cause of death as of Sunday.
Carey served as a patrol sergeant for the Lago Vista Police Department, according to FOX 7 Austin, which reported that he was suspended from duty at the time of his death due to a pending criminal investigation. The station noted that authorities did not provide any further details regarding the nature of the allegations against Carey, and no cause of death has been made public.
Travis County Sheriff's Office Leads the Inquiry
The Travis County Sheriff's Office is leading both the criminal investigation that led to Carey's suspension and the separate investigation into his death, per the same account. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and officials have not said whether the two matters are connected beyond the timing.
According to the KXAN Austin report on the city's statement, Carey's family was notified immediately after his death, while Lago Vista Police Department employees were informed on October 3, three days after his death. The city said mental health professionals were made available to assist department employees in the aftermath.
City Declines to Speculate
City officials said they would not discuss confidential investigative information or speculate about the circumstances of Carey's death, according to the city's statement as reported by KXAN Austin. The statement offered the city's thoughts and prayers to the Carey family, Lago Vista Police Department employees, and the broader community.
No further details have emerged about the status of the criminal investigation that prompted Carey's suspension, including whether any charges had been filed. The Travis County Sheriff's Office has not released additional information about the case as it continues to lead both inquiries.
