A Minneapolis police recruit died unexpectedly while off duty Wednesday, according to the Police Department.
Officials said the death involved Recruit Officer Amara Kanneh, who had recently joined the agency and was still in pre-service training.
Kanneh was hired on Oct. 6, 2025 and was attending the Minneapolis Police Academy at the time of his death. The department said he had been preparing for his future assignment as a sworn officer.
Chief Brian O’Hara released a statement Thursday acknowledging the loss and offering support to those who knew Kanneh. “My heart goes out to Recruit Officer Kanneh’s family, and I am grateful they shared their loved one with us,” O’Hara said. “Recruit Officer Kanneh was a kind, respectful, generous person who was excited to join the MPD ranks. He will forever be remembered as a valued member of our MPD family.”
The department said its Health and Wellness Unit and outside therapists are working with Kanneh’s academy classmates and other employees as they process the news. Authorities did not release additional details about the circumstances of his death.
