The Citrus County community is mourning the loss of Phil Royal, a sheriff candidate and active member of the county, after he passed away suddenly Monday morning. He was only 47 years old.
Royal died as the result of a seizure he experienced while running in a charitable fundraising event, according to a post on his Facebook page, Phil Royal for Sheriff.
Royal was born in Clearwater and moved to Citrus County in 1988. He started his career as a firefighter/paramedic for Pasco and Citrus counties. He became a deputy sheriff in 1990 and later served as a captain at the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
Royal was in the middle of a run for Citrus County Sheriff, the first time a new one would be elected in 20 years, during his untimely death.
"The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is stunned by the unexpected death of former Sheriff’s Office Retired Captain Phil Royal," the sheriff's office posted on its Facebook page. "Employees of our agency are deeply saddened and stunned by this tragic news. Many of us who worked with Phil throughout his many years in the agency and community are grieving over this terrible loss. Our prayers are with the entire Royal family during this difficult time."
“We will remember Phil’s 20 plus years of dedication to this agency and the community,” says Sheriff Jeff Dawsy. “Our community has not only lost a great servant, but a great friend to so many here in Citrus County.”
Royal leaves behind a wife and an infant daughter.
The Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church is holding a community gathering Monday night from 6-8 p.m. to remember and honor Royal's life and service to his community.
