Veteran deputy dies without knowing he had COVID-19

SAN ANTONIO (KABB) — A 53-year-old deputy died Thursday morning before medical officials were even able to tell him he had COVID-19.

According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Timothy De La Fuente has been assigned to the detention center for about a year. The jail has had a recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases, which led to the BCSO testing everyone within.

De La Fuente was one of those and was tested Tuesday, when he was not showing any coronavirus symptoms, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar. Salazar said De La Fuente then called in sick Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the sheriff, De La Fuente was scheduled to see a doctor Thursday morning with his wife, but went to the bathroom before leaving the residence.

"Right before leaving the residence, he excused himself to go to the restroom and then later his wife found him collapsed and deceased," Salazar said.

Metro Health learned about De La Fuente testing positive for COVID-19 Wednesday night, he was going to be told he was positive Thursday morning.

The couple lived within city limits, so SAPD is handling the case, but is giving the sheriff's office anything it needs at this time. Salazar said SAFD even transported the deputy to the medical examiner's office with honors.

As of 3 p.m., Thursday, Sheriff Salazar said it's unconfirmed whether COVID-19 killed the deputy, who did have underlying health issues. The medical examiner will provide the test results as soon as possible.