Fla. Corrections Trainee Dies after Gun Accidentally Goes Off

A trainee with the Florida Department of Corrections died this week after a gun accidentally went off during a training session, the agency announced Saturday.

Correctional Officer Trainee Whitney Cloud was participating in firearms training Thursday at the Harry K. Singletary Training Academy at Wakulla Correctional Institution in Crawfordville, the department stated in an online update. That's when a weapon accidentally discharged, fatally wounding Cloud.

She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died. No one else was injured in the incident.

"We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Officer Whitney Cloud,” Secretary of Corrections Mark Inch said in a statement. “As a newly hired officer trainee, Officer Cloud vowed to make a difference in the lives of others and protect her community. We are immensely saddened by this unexpected tragedy. Our deepest condolences go out to her loved ones and fellow officers during this extremely difficult time.”

Cloud began her public safety career in late June, according to the department. She had been assigned to the Jefferson Correctional Institution.