TAVARES, Fla. – A 42-year-old recruit at the Lake Technical College died after experiencing a “medical emergency” during the first night of training, according to a news release.
Tavares police said 42-year-old Morlon Jenkins experienced an unknown medical episode around 7:15 p.m. Monday at the Florida Law Enforcement Academy at the Institute of Public Safety at the college’s campus in Tavares.
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According to the release, instructors called for emergency services and Jenkins was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
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“Detectives are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine what could have been the cause of death for Mr. Jenkins,” the release said.
According to the release, Jenkins’ cause of death remains under investigation.
Officials at Lake Technical College issued the following statement:
"On Monday evening, August 11, 2025, during the first night of the Florida Law Enforcement Academy night class held at the Institute of Public Safety in Tavares, a 42-year-old male student experienced a medical emergency. At the time of the incident the students were engaged in the FDLE required physical training component as outlined in the state curriculum. All participants in the Florida Law Enforcement Academy program are required to have medical clearance from a physician. This student had that clearance. We immediately contacted emergency medical services, who rendered aid, but the student did not survive the episode. This is a very sad day for all involved. Our sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends, and loved ones today."
Lake Technical College