Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Officer Natasha Hunter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after Natasha Hunter, a 12-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department died from her injuries sustained during a collision with a drunk driver:

“This is a sad day for the NOPD family and the entire Greater New Orleans community,” said Rep. Richmond. “Officer Hunter embodied every quality you could dream of in a public servant. To her, being a police officer was more than just a job. It was an opportunity to help people when they had a problem, console them through a tough time, and inspire them to be something greater than they ever thought they could be.

Impactful police work is more than protecting and serving. It is becoming part of the fabric of the community, and few officers are as deeply woven into the city of New Orleans as Officer Hunter. She was a hero, taken from us and her family far too early by an avoidable tragedy.

This loss hits especially hard because a 5-year old girl has just lost her mother. A mother that loved her, provided for her, and did her best to make the community she grew up in safe.

I share in the pain that the city is enduring today and will always remember Officer Hunter’s gallant sacrifice and unconquerable dedication every time she put on her uniform. My deepest condolences and prayers are with Officer Hunter’s family, her fellow officers, but especially her young daughter Jasmine. Your mother will always protect you as she has protected all of us her entire career.”

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