CMPD officer found unconscious, declared dead. ‘Saddens me to my core,’ chief says.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Nerick Lufungula was found unconscious on Thursday and was soon declared dead, CMPD officials said Friday.
Lufungula appears to have died of natural causes, according to CMPD.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Police Chief Johnny Jennings said Lufungula’s death “saddens me to my core. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time.”
Lufungula’s brother, Edo Lufungula, posted family photos of his brother on Facebook.
“Words are not enough to describe my pain!” Edo Lufungula wrote in French. “Nerick Moise Lufungula aka “Mo” my baby brother, the Benjamin of the family went to the beyond, on the tip of his feet!, so young..”
Les mots ne sont pas assez pour décrire ma peine! Nerick Moise Lufungula aka "Mo" my baby brother, le Benjamin de la famille est partie dans l'au delà, sur la pointe des pieds!, si jeune...
Posted by Edo Lufungula on Friday, January 22, 2021
Condolences soon poured in under Edo Lufungula’s post.
“He was an amazing man, I’m honored to have gone to high school with him and worked with him,” Mike Hibbler posted. “Blessings”
“May your soul rest in peace little brother,” wrote Philippe Imagna Katembo.
The passing of Officer Lufungula saddens me to my core. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time. #policeofficer #family #cmpd https://t.co/a2QPwYrd1i
— Chief Jennings (@cmpdchief) January 22, 2021
We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of one of our own, Officer Nerick Lufungula. Officer Lufungula was found unconscious yesterday afternoon and pronounced deceased a short time later due to what appears to be natural causes. You will be missed, Nerick. #cmpd pic.twitter.com/SsRprsaUEK
— CMPD News (@CMPD) January 22, 2021
