West Texas A&M University officer dies after on-duty feral cat bite

West Texas A&M University Police Department Cpl. Monty Dale Platt died Tuesday after being bitten by a feral cat two weeks ago while responding to a call on campus. He was 47.

Platt, a Canyon native who had served with the WT’s UPD since 1996, suffered complications after a severe reaction to a medicine prescribed to prevent infections from the bite, according to a statement from the department posted on its Facebook page.

“We’re feeling the loss very heavily,” UPD Sgt. Jack Hildebrand said. “He was a mentor to all of the younger officers. There will be a gap in the department that we struggle to fill for some time.”

Hildebrand declined to give any information past the online statement.

According to the statement, Platt was responding to a call on campus two weeks ago when he was bitten by the feral cat. Platt reported not feeling well last Thursday and was taken to an urgent care center because of the reaction to the medication.

Platt was admitted to a local ICU later that day and on Friday was transferred to the Burn Unit at University Medical Center in Lubbock with severe injuries.

Platt was placed on a ventilator and treated for his wounds, according to UPD, but his kidneys shut down Tuesday night, causing a drop in blood pressure and his death.

“Campus Law Enforcement lost a great officer in Corporal Monty D. Platt,” the statement reads. “All of us at the University Police Department extend our prayers to the family during this difficult time.”

Platt received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from then-West Texas State University, according to an obituary submitted to the Amarillo Globe-News.

Platt “loved his career and was dedicated to the service of others,” according to the obituary.

Platt married his wife of 14 years, RoseAnne Rivera, on Aug. 24, 2002, and the two had a son together, Thomas Joseph Platt.

Vigil will be at 6 p.m. today in Brooks Chapel with Deacon Gabe Rivas officiating. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Robert A. Busch, Ph.D, as celebrant. Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon.