30-Year-Old California Police Officer Dies In 120-Mile Relay Race

A 30-year-old Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy died Saturday after suffering a medical emergency while competing in the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup relay race, police said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) identified the fallen deputy as Levi Vargas in a post Sunday on X. Vargas had served with the agency since 2015, starting as a Custody Assistant before graduating with Academy Class 413 and earning his badge. He was most recently assigned to San Dimas Station.

Vargas, an 11-year veteran with the force, faced a health emergency during the race, according to a post Saturday. “Despite receiving medical care, the Deputy ultimately passed away from their injuries,” the LASD added. (RELATED: State Trooper Murdered During Routine Traffic Stop. Killer Appeared To Be Marxist)

A procession of law enforcement vehicles escorted Vargas’s body from a Las Vegas hospital to the morgue, ABC7 reported, citing video. He was set to return to southern California by aircraft on Monday, according to his family.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department mourns the loss of Deputy Levi Vargas, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 30.

Deputy Vargas joined the Department in 2015 as a Custody Assistant and later graduated from Academy Class 413. He served in several… pic.twitter.com/8k2iKnhWhP

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) March 29, 2026

The department praised Vargas as a dedicated public servant, according to ABC7. “He was known among his colleagues and friends for his professionalism, commitment, and compassion to our communities,” the LASD wrote. Vargas is survived by his spouse, parents, siblings and relatives.

The 2026 Baker to Vegas race attracted 276 teams and was anticipated to draw in more than 3,000 runners from law enforcement agencies across California and beyond, MyNewsLA reported ahead of the event. Competitors run a 20-leg, 120-mile course that stretches from north of Baker, California, through the desert to the finish line in Las Vegas.

The race traces its origins to 1985, when two Los Angeles Police Department officers launched the event, according to the race’s official website. It has since grown into the largest law enforcement foot race in the world, drawing international participation and capping entries at 300 teams.

Authorities have not disclosed a specific cause of death, Fox11 Los Angeles reported.