Prev
Incident
Officer Eric Van Fossan suffered a fatal heart attack immediately after he and other officers struggled with a suspect at the scene of a domestic disturbance.
During the altercation, the officers were forced to use pepper spray on the suspect. After getting the man handcuffed, Officer Van Fossan stepped back and collapsed.
Officers at the scene immediately administered CPR. Officer Van Fossan was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Van Fossan had served with the Eagle Pass Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, who serves as a reserve officer with the agency, and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpygsqvgtwkets5gbbv9- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Eric. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Van Fossan gave the Eagle Pass Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Eagle Pass community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Van Fossan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Eric is the only officer of Eagle Pass Police Department remembered here.
Eric is one of 88 officers lost to cardiac events in TX, 3.6% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Eric is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Eric is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 3 officers in TX were lost to cardiac events, the 4th heaviest of 53 years on record. The heaviest was 1978, with 4.
In 2005, 21 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2005, 21 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Eric was 38. Of the 84 lost to cardiac events in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 42.8 and 57; the middle age was 50. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Eric was 38. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Eric was 38. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in TX; October holds the most, 12.5%. Saturdays: 14.8%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 14.3%.
February holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.4%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Eagle Pass Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.6% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Eagle Pass Police Department are honored on badge.nw.