Harris County sheriff's deputy found dead in home died of bacterial meningitis

Michael Collins

CYPRESS, Texas – A Harris County sheriff's deputy who was found dead in his Cypress home last month died of bacterial meningitis, the medical examiner's office said.

Precinct 4 deputies said daughter of Michael Collins called for a welfare check on her dad just after 10 p.m. July 27 in the 20000 block of Sunshine Ridge Lane.

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Deputies said they entered the home and found Collins unresponsive. He was pronounced dead by EMS on the scene, officials said.

The medical examiner's office Thursday released his cause of death as streptococcus pneumoniae bacterial meningitis.

The deputy has been with the Harris County Sheriff's Office since 1991. 

The Harris County Sheriff's Office released a statement Thursday that read:

"Harris County Sheriff’s Office medical personnel have been monitoring Deputy Collins’ co-workers and inmates for any preliminary symptoms of infection. At this time, we are unaware of any evidence that would indicate others were infected. It is important to note that more than two weeks have passed since Deputy Collins’ tragic death, and the lack of any additional confirmed cases is an indication that the threat of further infections has lessened. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety of employees and inmates."

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