Roy Woodlief, who spent two decades serving in the sheriff's office, died Saturday morning, according to his wife, who spoke with ABC11.
Woodlief's death comes after a widely followed fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease that affects nerve cells and leads to muscle weakness.
You may remember Woodlief's story from last year, when more than 100 first responders took part in a drive-by parade outside his home to honor his service and show support during his illness.
Woodlief served 20 years with the Wake County Sheriff's Office and was a member of the SWAT team. He retired in 2024 to focus on his health after being diagnosed with ALS.
In addition to his work in law enforcement, Woodlief was a member of the Honor Guard and also served in the United States Army.
Colleagues and first responders across the Triangle had rallied around Woodlief throughout his illness, highlighting his dedication to service and the impact he made in the community.
No additional details, including funeral arrangements, have been released.