It is with sad and sincere condolences for the family and friends of Correctional Officer Coy D. Coffman Jr. that we report his passing away after being admitted to a local hospital 0n April 17 with symptoms of the disease, a positive test result for COVID-19 returned on April 19. Officer Coffman succumbed to the illness on Sunday, April 26.
Media Release:
Monday, April 27, 2020
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is saddened to announce the death of an employee that may be connected to the COVID-19 virus.
65-year-old Coy D. Coffman Jr’s death is currently under investigation. Coffman was a nine-year veteran Correctional Officer who last worked April 5, 2020 at the Telford Unit in New Boston. On April 14, 2020 he began suffering symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and was tested the next day. On April 17th, he was admitted to a local hospital in Texarkana due to possible complications from COVID-19. Coffman’s test returned positive on April 19th. Several days later his condition began deteriorating and sadly Coffman passed away yesterday evening.
“The COVID-19 virus has changed our state and our agency forever, but no one can imagine the impact to the Coffman family who has lost someone so close,” Said Bryan Collier Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “The thoughts and prayers of the TDCJ family are with those close to Officer Coffman. He died in the service of all Texans.”
