CHICAGO -- The father of Purdue University basketball player Brandon Newman has died as a result of COVID-19.
59-year-old Ronald Newman was a 19-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. He worked the city's south side and had earned 137 department awards. His wife is a Chicago Police Department civilian employee.
"This was truly a police family and has sent shock waves through our department, again," said Chicago PD Acting Superintendent David Brown. "First responders cannot stay at home during this outbreak. We are out in the public patrolling the streets and keeping people safe. Today there is one less officer who will be out on patrol."
276 Chicago police officers and 12 civilian employees of the department have tested positive for COVID-19. Three, including Ronald Newman, have died.
Brandon Newman is a guard on the Purdue team. As a redshirt freshman, he did play in regular-season games during the past season. However, Newman is expected to see playing time during the upcoming season.
Upon learning of the death of Newman's father, the Purdue athletic department issued this statement:
“The Purdue athletic department and men’s basketball program is deeply saddened by the death of Ronald Newman. We send our condolences to the Newman family, and have reached out to Brandon and his family during their time of need.”
WLS Television, ABC in Chicago, contributed to this report
