Procession held for Levi Vargas, LA County Deputy who died during Baker-Vegas relay race

SAN DIMAS, Calif. () — A solemn procession was held Monday for a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy who died during a relay race over the weekend.

Deputy Levi Vargas died from a medical emergency Saturday during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, the Sheriff’s Department said. He was 30 years old.

Through hugs and tears, friends, family, fellow runners and community members all gathered to honor Vargas, who served in the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station.

A procession carried Vargas’ body from the San Dimas fire station to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina.

The Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race features more than 270 law enforcement teams from around the world running 120 miles through the desert. Vargas’ death marks the first time a competitor has died in the race, which has been held since 1985.

At the race award ceremony, a solemn tribute was held for the fallen deputy. That support continued Monday as fellow runners and their families turned out to honor Vargas.

Vargas joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2015 as a custody assistant, serving several assignments before landing at the San Dimas station.

Vargas is survived by his wife, parents and siblings.

An autopsy will determine a cause of death.

City News Service contributed to this report.