St. Augustine High School resource deputy dies after battling COVID-19

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy who had been sick with COVID-19 has died.

Deputy Jody Hull, a four-year member of the Sheriff’s Office, had most recently served as the Youth Resource Deputy at St. Augustine High School, the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post announcing his passing.

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The post did not say how Hull died, but multiple sources tell News4Jax Hull’s death was from complications related to his recent battle with COVID-19. The sources did not know if Hull had been vaccinated.

“Deputy Hull positively impacted the lives of so many St. Augustine High School students as a Youth Resource Deputy. He was passionately dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the youth around him,” Sheriff Robert Hardwick said in a statement. “Deputy Hull was a valued member of our St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office family and will be greatly missed.”

Before joining the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Hull worked at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for four years.

Sheriff Gator DeLoach also posted about Hull’s passing Saturday, saying his department’s hearts were breaking “with our brothers and sisters in St. Johns County.”

He said Hull had been a mentor to several deputies during his time in Putnam County.

“Jody left an indelible impression on everyone and will be sorely missed by his PCSO family. Please pray that his family, friends and members of the community he touched will find comfort and healing in the days to come as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” DeLoach said.


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