West Tex\as A&M PD
Monty D. Platt, a 47-year-old West Texas A&M University Police officer, has died two weeks after he was bitten by a feral cat.
Platt, 47, had responded to a call about the wild cat on July 26 when he was bitten on the hand. Despite the fact that he was wearing gloves, Platt was seriously injured. Two weeks later, on August 3, Platt started feeling unwell and was taken to urgent care.
According to the West Texas A&M University police department, Platt had a severe reaction to the medication he was given to prevent infections. Platt was admitted to the ICU on Thursday and from there he was taken to the burn unit at UMC in Lubbock. Reports indicate that the injuries he suffered from the medication were so severe he had to be placed on a ventilator.
After his kidneys shut down and his blood temperature dropped, Platt tragically died on Tuesday, August 8.
“Campus Law Enforcement lost a great officer in Corporal Monty D. Platt,” the statement reads. “All of us at the University Police Department extend our prayers to the family during this difficult time.”
Platt received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from then-West Texas State University, according to an obituary submitted to the Amarillo Globe-News. Platt “loved his career and was dedicated to the service of others,” according to the obituary.
Vigil will be at 6 p.m. today in Brooks Chapel with Deacon Gabe Rivas officiating. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Robert A. Busch, Ph.D, as celebrant. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon.
West Texas A&M University released a statement on Platt’s tragic passing:
“It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that the University Police Department at WTAMU announces the loss of an officer. Corporal Monty D. Platt passed away last evening at the University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. The death of Corporal Monty Platt was a result of medical complications from being bitten by a feral cat while on duty, responding to a police call. Corporal Platt had served with the University Police Department since 1996.”
Platt is survived byhis wife of 14 years, RoseAnne Rivera, and their son Thomas Joseph Platt.
Rest in peace.
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