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

Antoine, 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 of his 18 classmates in just over a week, on Monday, March 4.

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 with an on-hand AED device, before Antoine was rushed to the UT Medical Center via AMR. Antoine was admitted into ICU late Friday night in critical, life-threatening condition.

Despite receiving constant, around-the-clock care from the UTMC 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. on Sunday 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. Services for Antoine are pending.