NYPD Detective Troy Patterson Dies After 33 Years in Coma

New York City Detective Troy Patterson, who was shot in the head during a failed robbery and spent more than three decades in a vegetative condition, has passed away.

Detectives’ Endowment Association announces the passing of Detective Troy Patterson. (Photo by Detectives’ Endowment Association via Twitter)

Patterson, who was not working when he was shot on January 16, 1990, passed away on Saturday, according to Detectives Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo.

Thirty-three years after being shot by three criminals trying to rob him, Patterson passed away.

The exact reason of Detective Patterson’s passing is still unknown. The matter is being investigated, according to the Brooklyn district attorney.

NYPD Detective Troy Patterson Dies After More Than 3 Decades of Being Under Coma 

The Associated Press reported that Troy Patterson suffered “a vegetative state” on January 16, 1990, after receiving shots in the head while washing his car and being confronted by three people looking for $20.

According to ABC7, the gunman, identified as 15-year-old Tracy Clark, was joined in the ambush by 17-year-old Darren Crawford and 20-year-old Vincent Robbins because they needed money to participate in a local basketball competition.

All three “served time for various convictions and have since been released,” NBC New York reported. But Patterson, who was 27 at the time of the shooting, never woke up ever again.

His son Troy Patterson Jr. told ABC7 that his father was still able to respond to his family’s voices and occasionally even smiled or laughed despite having he had limited communication skills and was in a vegetative state.

Patterson Jr. added that his was continuously aware of his family’s presence.

Today, officers lined up outside of a funeral home for a dignified transfer in honor of Detective Troy Patterson, who sustained catastrophic injuries 33 years ago after being shot. We will continue to honor his legacy and vow never to forget our fallen hero. pic.twitter.com/aVNiMr9go6

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 1, 2023

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Tribute to Patterson

On Monday, the NYPD lined up in tribute to Troy Patterson outside his funeral home for a respectful handover.

“We will never forget his memory, or his dedication to making our city a safer place for all. #FidelisAdMortem,” the NYPD said through a statement on Twitter.

Whether it was 3 months or over 30 years ago, the NYPD never forgets. It is the pledge that we make to every member when they walk through the doors of our academy. It is our vow to lend our unwavering support to their families & honor legacies like that of Det. Troy Patterson. pic.twitter.com/gzM13vZU3r

— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) May 1, 2023

CBS News also reported that Patterson was a patrolman when he was shot at 27 years old, but he was promoted to detective in 2016.

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