Houston Tipping, LAPD Officer, Dies in 'Catastrophic' Training Accident

A Los Angeles police officer has died days after being injured in an accident during a training exercise, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Houston Tipping, 32, was injured during an exercise at the Elysian Park Academy on Thursday, according to LAPD Chief Michel Moore.

"Despite the valiant efforts of his classmates" and medical staff, Tipping "could not recover," Moore said in a tweet.

Moore described Tipping as "a bright and uplifting young man with a full life in front of him."

He added: "May God Welcome him home & comfort his family, friends & partners. Our work continues in a profession that at times calls for a cost that is so very high. Blessed are the Peacemakers."

In a statement, Moore said Tipping was hurt while engaged in a scenario that involved grappling with another officer

During the exercise, he fell to the floor and "suffered a catastrophic spinal chord injury," Moore said.

Other officers immediately began CPR until Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics arrived and transported him to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, Moore said, and Tipping succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

He was a five-year veteran of the force who worked as a bike instructor in the Devonshire division.

Tipping is survived by his parents and his girlfriend.

"As we grieve this terrible loss, our thoughts are with the family of Officer Tipping, his Devonshire Area family, and the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department during this difficult time," Moore said.

"True to his character of unending service, Officer Tipping is an organ donor. Over the next few days, his selflessness will save other lives.''

Moore said the department was "fully investigating" the accident in an effort to identify any measures that can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League also paid tribute to Tipping on Twitter, writing: "Today, our city lost one of its young heroes, LAPD Officer Houston Tipping.

"A five-year veteran, Officer Tipping patrolled the neighborhoods of Devonshire and worked as a bike instructor. He loved serving as a police officer. He is remembered by his friends and family for how he loved & made people laugh... RIP Officer Houston, we have the watch from here."

A tribute also came in from LAPD Commander Ruby Flores, who wrote: "Prayers are with the family and loved ones of our brother in blue taken from us far too soon. This is truly heartbreaking for all of us during this grievous time. Godspeed Officer Houston Tipping."