Private Robert Ernest Hunt

Robert Ernest Hunt

Private Robert Hunt died as a result of complications from influenza while performing his assigned duties during the Influenza Pandemic.

The Texas Rangers were required to maintain order and enforce quarantine laws in force throughout the state. Officials in El Paso requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Private Hunt and Private Ben Pennington were dispatched to keep order. Both men contracted influenza. Private Pennington became ill on October 7th, 1918, and died on October 11th, 1918. Private Hunt died on October 16th, 1918.

Private Hunt enlisted as a Texas Ranger on June 8th, 1915, and served until April 11th, 1916, when he resigned. He re-enlisted on August 20th, 1918, and served until his death on October 15th, 1918.

His body was shipped to Denver, Colorado, for burial.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.