An Alameda County’s Sheriff’s Office honor guard escorted the body of a deputy who died last weekend to a mortuary in Lafayette on Tuesday.
Deputy Aubrey Phillips went into medical distress during a traffic stop that turned into an arrest Saturday night, according to a sheriff’s office statement. She died despite life-saving efforts from another deputy and medical personnel that were called to the scene.
Phillips was 36.
The procession from John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek began about 10 a.m. and went to Oakmont Memorial Park and Mortuary. Phillips had been transferred to the Walnut Creek hospital from Stanford Valley Care in Pleasanton while doctors still were trying to save her life.
Motorcycles escorted the hearse as it entered the the facility, and the honor guard escorted the flag-draped coffin. It will stay at the mortuary until it is moved for a 10 a.m. funeral ceremony Saturday at the Mormon Temple in Oakland. After the funeral, the body will be returned to Oakmont.
Phillips had been a deputy for five years and was a midnight shift patrol officer in the city of Dublin. She is survived by her husband — also a sheriff’s deputy — and three young children.
“Jennifer and I are incredibly saddened to learn of Deputy Phillips’ unexpected death. Our thoughts are with her friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement Tuesday announcing that state Capitol flags would be flown at half-staff in her honor.
“As a member of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, she selflessly and courageously served her community and the people of California, and we are forever grateful for her service.”
Staff writer George Kelly contributed to this report.
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