Jackson County -- January 23, 2026: The Jackson County Sheriff's Office Posted the following on Social Media:
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is deeply saddened to report the death of one of its own.
Cadet Ryan Phillip Ferreira, 26, was conducting law enforcement cadet training with Basic Law Enforcement Training Class 93 Thursday morning at Southwestern Community College NC’s Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) in Franklin when he appeared to suffer a medical emergency during physical training assessment.
SCC instructors and cadets immediately administered life-saving measures as Macon County EMS and Fire-Rescue personnel arrived at the training center within seven minutes. Ferreira was transported to Angel Medical Center, where he unfortunately passed away.
“This is an extremely difficult day for Ryan’s family, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, his fellow cadets, SCC training staff, and the Western North Carolina community,” said Sheriff Doug Farmer, Jackson County. “We are grateful for his dedication to serve our community, and his loss is devastating. I ask the public to keep Ryan’s family, friends and fellow deputies and cadets in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
Ferreira is from Franklin and is a 2019 graduate of Franklin High School. He is also a 2023 graduate of Southwestern Community College, obtaining his Criminal Justice Degree. He was hired by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 12, 2026, which was his first day of BLET.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the sudden passing of our student, who was taken from us far too soon,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends as we mourn this profound loss together as a community.”
“We are devastated,” said Curtis Dowdle, SCC’s Dean of Public Safety Training. “This tragedy cut short the life of a promising young man, who was dedicated to serving all of us. Like everyone at the Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center, I am completely heartbroken.”
We will release more information as it becomes available.
Image: Jackson County Sheriff's Office