Support in the Loss of Wisbens Antoine

Update with service information:

There will be a call at your convenience on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. til 7:00 p.m. at Mynatt Powell Chapel. There will be a Celebration of Life Service Saturday, March 2, 2024 11:00 a.m. at First Apostolic Church 5020 Pleasant Ridge Road Knoxville, TN 37912 with burial to follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery with full honors provided by the Knoxville Police Department.

This morning with heavy hearts, we ask for support for the Antoine family during this incredibly challenging time. On 02/25, the Antoine family's world was shattered when they tragically lost their beloved husband and father, Wisbens Antoine, in a sudden accident (KPD statement below). The shock and grief of this loss are immeasurable, and it has left a void that words cannot fill.

In the midst of this heartbreaking loss, the Antoines are facing yet another trial. Today, their daughter, Gianna, is undergoing an important heart procedure today. As the Antoine family navigates through this dual crisis of grief and medical needs, there are emotional and financial burdens that make this time even more heavy. This is where we can step in.

We, as their friends, neighbors, and extended family, cannot stand idly by while they face these challenges alone. This GoFundMe campaign is a way for us to come together and offer tangible support to the Antoine family during this trying time. Your donations will help cover medical expenses for Gianna's procedure, as well as provide financial assistance to help ease the burden of daily living expenses and support the family as they navigate this difficult transition period.

No amount is too small, and every contribution, whether it's a donation, a share, or a kind word, makes a difference. Together, we can surround the Antoine family with love, compassion, and practical support as they heal and rebuild their lives in the wake of this tragedy.

Thank you for your generosity, your support, and your unwavering kindness during this difficult time.

I will update with service information as I receive it.

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KPD, Chief Paul Noel Announce the Passing of Officer Wisbens Antoine

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With heavy hearts and profound sadness and grief, the Knoxville Police Department and Chief Paul Noel announce the death of Officer Wisbens Antoine, a member of the 2023-B Basic Recruit Class.

Antoine, 32, joined the KPD in 2023 as a Public Safety Recruit and started the basic recruit academy on September 25, 2023. Antoine was set to be officially sworn in as a Knoxville Police Department officer alongside of his 18 classmates in just over a week, on Monday, March 4.

On Friday afternoon, Antoine collapsed during a routine physical training session at the end of a mile and a half run for reasons that remain unknown. Members of the KPD training staff immediately provided CPR and other life-saving care, including with an on-hand AED device, before Antoine was rushed to the UT Medical Center via AMR. Antoine was admitted into ICU late Friday night in critical, life-threatening condition.

Despite receiving constant, around-the-clock care from the UTMC staff, late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, February 25, 2024, Antoine’s condition began to quickly deteriorate. While surrounded by his family and loved ones, Antoine passed away peacefully at around 4 a.m. on Sunday morning.

With the full support of a KPD procession that included assistance from multiple area law enforcement agencies, Antoine’s remains were transported to the Regional Forensic Center.

Antoine leaves behind his wife and two children.