Sanford Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Age: 55
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Training accident
Date of Incident: July 5, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrol Officer Eli Colonroche succumbed to injuries sustained at about 9:30 am while participating in a training exercise at the Central Carolina Community College.
He and several other officers were descending a four-story rappelling tower when he collided with the tower's third story. He continued his descent to the ground where he was evaluated by other officers. He was transported to a local hospital where it was determined he was suffering from internal bleeding. He was flown to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill where he passed away at about 6:00 pm.
Officer Colonroche was a United States Army veteran who had served with the Sanford Police Department for nine years and had previously served as a U.S. Army MP for 22 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.