SMPD Officer Drowns While on Vacation in Kauai, Santa Monica Police Dept. Says

4/25 update: Alert from SM City Hall: SM Alert - Northbound 7th St. from Wilshire Blvd. to Washington Ave. and west/eastbound California Blvd. from Lincoln Blvd. to 6th Ct. will be closed today from 11am – 5pm due to the memorial service for SMPD Officer Rashad Riley. Residents and businesses in the area should expect traffic detours, heavy Police presence and a 21-Gun Salute.

Santa Monica Police Officer Rashad Riley died on Friday, April 12 while swimming in the waters off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, writes Public Information Officer Lt. Rudy Flores. The release dated 4/17, reads as follows:

"The Santa Monica Police Officers' Association (SMPOA) is deeply saddened to announce the death of Santa Monica Police Officer Rashad Riley. On April 12, 2019, Officer Riley passed away in a tragic drowning accident while on the island of Kauai. He leaves behind his loving wife, as well as three beautiful children.

Officer Riley was a beloved friend to all who knew him, and mentor to local youth in both the Santa Monica Police Explorer and Santa Monica Police Activities League (PAL) programs. He served the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) with great pride, courage and integrity for the past 3 years. Officer Riley was a cherished member of the Department's Homeless Liaison Program. Withaninfectiousandgenuinesmile,healwaysdemonstratedcompassionandempathy when interacting with the community.

Officer Riley will be truly missed by his SMPD family, all those who served the City of Santa Monica along with him, and all community members he so deeply touched.

A GoFundMe page has been established to collect donations on behalf of Officer Riley's family; GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/supporting-the-family-of-officer-rashad-riley. Please contact the SMPOA Office at poa@smgov.net, or (310) 393-1003, regarding donations by check."