Fallen Texas police cadet buried in Eastern Idaho

The family of a fallen Frisco, Texas police cadet, and new police officer who was born and raised in Utah is grateful for all the support it has received since his death.

Christopher David Murray, a 31-year-old devoted husband and father from Utah collapsed during police academy training in Texas in November. He passed away on Dec. 1, leaving behind a pregnant wife, a 2-year-old daughter and devastated family in Utah and Idaho.

Murray had already completed all the training and hours required to become an officer and he was awarded his officer’s certificate of completion in absentia on Nov. 18, just two days after he collapsed during a training exercise at the Denton Police Academy in Texas.

In the time since he died, the family has seen an outpouring of support all the way from Texas to Idaho where his services were held on Saturday. Members of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Rexburg Police Department, and several other agencies across Eastern Idaho took part in the funeral procession.

Jamie Murray Ulibarri, Chris’ sister said they are heartbroken but feel so blessed by all the support their family has received.

A viewing was held in Frisco, Texas, on Monday and Chris’ body, accompanied by his brother in blue, Sgt. Keith Putnam from the Frisco Police Department, was flown to Salt Lake City on Tuesday night.

Putnam, with the help of the Utah Highway Patrol and Salt Lake City Police Department, then escorted his body as he was transported to Newdale, Idaho, just outside of Rexburg.

A funeral service and internment were held Saturday morning in Newdale, where his wife and children will reside.

Born in Salt Lake City to Dick and Jody Murray, Chris graduated from Murray High School in 2003 and served a two-year mission in Tacoma, Washington.

Hailey and Chris were married in Rexburg in 2008 and welcomed their daughter Lorelei in 2014. Hailey is due to give birth to their son Kaz in January.