Private Robert Ernest Hunt

Robert Ernest Hunt

Private Robert Hunt died after contracting the Spanish Flu while assigned to assist with quarantine efforts in El Paso, Texas.

As Spanish Influenza killed millions throughout the world, officials in El Paso requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Private Pennington and Private Robert E. Hunt were dispatched to keep order. Both men contracted the influenza. Private Pennington became ill on October 7th, 1918, and died on October 11th, 1918. Private Hunt died on October 16th, 1918.

Private Hunt had enlisted as a Texas Ranger on June 8th, 1915 and served until April 11th, 1916 when he resigned. He re-enlisted on August 20th, 1918, and served until his death on October 15th, 1918. Hunt was 34 years old and single. His body was shipped to Denver, Colorado, for burial.

Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Spanish Flu memorial listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.