New York City Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Monday, June 17, 1912
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 4159
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: January 3, 1912
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Thomas O'Connell died from injuries he received while attempting to rescue a suicidal man.
At approximately 1400 hours on January 3, 1912 Patrolman O'Connell observed a man who had jumped into the river in a suicide attempt. Patrolman O’Connell jumped in to save the man, but the man did not want to be saved. The man fiercely fought off Patrolman O’Connell, pulling him under the water. When a rescue boat arrived, they were able to pull Patrolman O’Connell aboard, but the suicidal man never resurfaced from under the water.
Patrolman O'Connell was removed to Flower Hospital where he died on June 17, 1912 from the injuries he received while attempting the rescue.
Patrolman O'Connell was assigned to the 29th Precinct, the present day 17th Precinct.