A veteran Los Angeles Police Department cop assigned to an elite tactical unit died under mysterious circumstances during a dive team training exercise Thursday in Huntington Beach.

Officer Thomas Daniel Denton reportedly suffered a medical emergency around 11 a.m. Authorities have yet to reveal what went wrong.

Denton was part of the elite LAPD Metropolitan Division, a specialized tactical support and crime-suppression unit, and had served with the LAPD since 2006.

Huntington Beach firefighters responded to the emergency, and Denton was rushed to Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials have not disclosed the exact location of the exercise or the circumstances surrounding Denton’s death.

A procession was held Thursday evening as officials transported his body from the hospital to the Orange County Coroner’s Office in Santa Ana. The coroner will determine his cause of death.

Dozens of officers and firefighters, along with relatives and friends of Denton, lined the streets to pay their respects as the the procession passed.

Firefighters were seen folding a flag in Denton’s honor during the procession.

His death remains under investigation.

Public records indicated Denton held the rank of Police Officer III as of April 2025.

Tributes poured in for the fallen officer.

“With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and our entire law enforcement community as we mourn the loss of Police Officer Thomas Denton, Serial No. 38039,” the Los Angeles Police Museum wrote on Facebook. “May his service and dedication always be remembered.”

“AOCDS extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and LAPD partners of Officer Thomas Denton, who tragically lost his life during an on-duty training exercise,” the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs wrote on Facebook.

“We stand with our brothers and sisters at LAPD during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Officer Denton. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The California Post reached out to the LAPD and the Orange County Coroner for comment.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters