Windsor Community Mourns Police Officer Who Died While Off-Duty

WINDSOR, CT — The Windsor community is mourning the loss of a police officer who died unexpectedly while off-duty last week, town officials said.

Louis “The Kidd” Clayton, a three-year member of the Windsor Police Department after serving in the U.S. Army, died on Nov. 8.

In a post to Facebook, the police department wrote that its members "unexpectedly lost" one of their "great friends."

Clayton was "a son, a father, and a friend/co-worker to many," the post read.

He was "admired and respected by all who worked with him," and was best known for his sense of humor and "as being a friend to everyone who ever met him," according to the post.

Patch has reached out to the Windsor Police Union.

In a statement, town officials said they were deeply saddened by Clayton's death.

"Officer Clayton served with dedication and honor, and his loss has profoundly affected the department and community," the statement read.

The department asked for privacy for his family, and said that funeral arrangements are pending, and, if and when they are available, they will be shared.

"In the meantime, our thoughts and support are with Officer Clayton's loved ones and colleagues," the town's statement read.

Town officials will be providing resources and support to its officers, as "we grieve the loss of our colleague and friend," they said.

"We thank the community for its understanding, compassion, and respect for Officer Clayton's family's wish for privacy," the statement concluded.

Outside of work, Clayton loved cars and, most importantly, loved his two daughters, Zola, 3, and Zendaya, 2, according to the police department's post.

He also leaves behind his mother, father, and long-time girlfriend, Olivia, the department said.

The department's brass said that it is asking for support for Clayton's family during "this difficult time" and that funds will be going towards unexpected funeral arrangements, added expenses for his family, and future educational expenses for his two daughters.

"Thank you for your support as we navigate through this difficult time," the post concluded.

A GoFundMe in Clayton's honor has raised around $30,000.