With heavy hearts and profound sadness and grief, the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) and Chief Paul Noel announce the death of Officer Wisbens Antoine, a member of the 2023-B Basic Recruit Class.

Antoine, age 32, joined the KPD in 2023 as a Public Safety Recruit and started the basic recruit academy on September 25, 2023. Antoine was set to be officially sworn in as a Knoxville Police Department officer alongside his 18 classmates in just over a week, on Monday, March 4, 2024.

On Friday afternoon, Antoine collapsed during a routine physical training session at the end of a mile-and-a-half run for reasons that remain unknown. Members of the KPD training staff immediately provided CPR and other life-saving care, including an on-hand AED device, before Antoine was rushed to U.T. Medical Center. Antoine was admitted into the intensive care unit late Friday night in critical, life-threatening condition.

Despite receiving constant, around-the-clock care from the medical staff, late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, February 25, 2024, Antoine’s condition began to quickly deteriorate. While surrounded by his family and loved ones, Antoine passed away peacefully at around 4 a.m. this morning.

With the full support of a KPD procession that included assistance from multiple area law enforcement agencies, Antoine’s remains were transported to the Regional Forensic Center.

Antoine leaves behind his wife and two children.

Funeral services for Antoine are pending.