Private Robert Ernest Hunt

Robert Ernest Hunt

Private Robert Hunt died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

The Texas Rangers were required to maintain order and enforce quarantine laws in force throughout the state. Officials in El Paso requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Private Hunt and Private Ben Pennington were dispatched to keep order. Both men contracted influenza. Private Pennington became ill on October 7th, 1918, and died on October 11th, 1918. Private Hunt died on October 16th, 1918.

Private Hunt 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.

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.