Luther Reynolds, the chief of the Charleston Police Department, died at the age of 56. Here’s what we know about his cause of death.
How did Luther Reynolds die?
Mayor John Tecklenburg of the City of Charleston has announced that Police Chief Luther Reynolds has died after a battle with cancer.
In an open letter published to the public on Wednesday, Reynolds stated his decision to stop receiving cancer treatment and transition to hospice care.
The following statement was made public by Mayor Tecklenburg on Monday night reads,
Tonight, Charleston has lost not just a great police chief, but one of the finest human beings that many of us will ever know. Luther Reynolds was a modern man of ancient virtues: faith, honor, courage, and duty. But most of all, and at his very core, Luther was a man of love. He loved his family, his friends, and his life.
He loved this city and the brave men and women who keep it safe. He loved God, and in faithful service, he loved his neighbor. Over the coming days, we will mourn Luther Reynolds, for we loved him as much as he loved us. But even today, as our hearts are breaking, we can take solace in knowing that with Luther’s final journey now complete, his weary days of pain have passed, and his timeless days of peace have just begun.
Today, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg released the following statement on the tragic death of Police Chief Luther Reynolds after a long and courageous battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/d382rXo8W7
— City of Charleston (@CityCharleston) May 23, 2023
Who was Luther Reynolds?
Reynolds served as the CPD chief for about five years. During his tenure in command, he worked to make the department more open and consistently looked for ways to engage the neighborhood.
Despite the difficulties, his legacy will be remembered for his devotion to the individuals he served every day. On March 9, 2018, Luther Reynolds accepted the next step in his career in law enforcement, as he became the great police chief of Charleston, South Carolina.
He said at that time, “It’s an absolute honor and a privilege for me to be a police officer, to put on a uniform, to be able to serve in that capacity,” said Reynolds. “I feel like it’s been a calling my entire life.”
Reynolds has been open about his goal of assisting people who reside in Charleston, work there, and visit there.
He began participating immediately by going to schools and leading anti-gun violence walks. In addition, Reynolds committed to developing alliances with other law enforcement organizations, which paved the way for his friendship with former North Charleston Police Chief Reggie Burgess.
Also, Reynolds worked to sustain his focus on the people despite the highs and lows.
Luther Reynolds cause of death:
Luther Reynolds, chief of police in Charleston died of cancer at an area hospice facility at 8:10 p.m. on May 22, 2023. Charleston police department also confirmed this sad news.
Reynolds disclosed his cancer diagnosis, stating that it had been discovered in 2021. At that time, he also stated that he would follow a “rigorous treatment plan” that would involve both surgery and chemotherapy.
He declared in February 2022 that he would resume working after losing his leg to cancer.
“As you know, I was diagnosed with a very serious and rare form of cancer. I was treated by some of the world’s best surgeons at the MAYO clinic in Minnesota,” he said in a statement at that time.
“However, I underwent a radical surgery, and, to remove the cancer, the doctors had to amputate one of my legs. I am pleased to report that the cancer was successfully removed and my prognosis for the future is very positive.”
Source: live5news.com
Reynolds’ battle with Triton Tumor:
Chief Reynolds battled a highly rare cancer, known as Triton tumor. It is a quickly spreading type of cancer that develops in the sheaths that surround nerves that are not a part of the brain or spinal cord.
The tumor is made up of Schwann cells (cells that maintain nerve cells in place) and rhabdomyoblasts (a type of muscle cell).
Tributes flooded social media after his demise news broke out. He will be survived by his beloved wife Caroline, and his two children, Luke and Grace.
Last year, he revealed that he underwent a radical surgery and, in order to remove the cancer, the doctors had to amputate one of his legs. He said that time, “I am pleased to report that the cancer was successfully removed and my prognosis for the future is very positive.”
“Earlier this week, I began rehabilitation and look forward to returning to Charleston very soon. I am blessed to have your support and the backing of the men and women of the Charleston Police Department. All of your prayers have sustained me through this most difficult period and I am forever grateful.”, he added.
Unfortunately, Reynolds died in Roper Hospice in Mount Pleasant while receiving treatment.
Tributes to Luther Reynolds:
Will Haynie posted,
Well done, good and faithful servant, Chief Luther Reynolds. Caroline Reynolds.
Chief Art Acevedo posted,
There are few leaders, yet alone people, as special as @CharlestonPD
Chief Luther Reynolds. Chief Reynolds is one of the best leaders in policing; there are few that are as good, & none that are better. May God Bless and comfort him and his family.
Bill Walsh tweeted,
We are heartbroken over the news that Chief Luther Reynolds has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Our faith teaches us he’s now in a better place free of pain.
Sheriff Kristin Graziano tweeted,
My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Chief Luther Reynolds. We should all be so thankful that we grew to know this man who served the Charleston community with dignity, grace and compassion. I will miss my friend and confidant.
Katie Arrington tweeted,
I am completely heartbroken over the loss of beloved Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds. May he rest in peace.
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