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Cause of death revealed for Ponchatoula police officer who died while on duty

Police Chief Bry Layrisson announced the passing of Corporal Pricilla Dean Pierson.

PONCHATOULA, La. — A six-year veteran of the Ponchatoula Police Department died while on duty Tuesday morning. 

Autopsy findings revealed that Corporal Pricilla Dean Pierson died from heart complications. Pierson had a blockage in one artery and had been experiencing high blood pressure, according to Police Chief Bry Layrisson.

Layrisson said the department received a call from someone at the Rouses Supermarket about an unresponsive officer on Tuesday. Once police and fire personnel arrived, they determined Pierson was dead.

The mother of five, including three children and two step-children, was married to her husband, Captain Larry Pierson, who has served the citizens of Ponchatoula for over twenty-five years. 

“She was a great person, wife, and an outstanding mother," said Layrisson of Pierson, who began her career as a part-time communications officer before earning her current rank as a patrol officer. 

“Our community has experienced a tremendous loss today. We ask that you continue praying for Pricilla’s family, Larry, and her friends and co-workers.”

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