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Regarding the unexpected death of NSO Corporal Gibran Barclift

PRESS RELEASE

Barclift and BaronIt is with great sadness we inform you of the loss of Corporal Gibran Barclift, aged 39, a beloved member of the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office family for the past 15 years. Early this morning, while on duty, Corporal Barclift had what appears to have been a medical emergency. Deputies and jail medical staff responded quickly and worked valiantly to provide him medical help in an attempt to save him. He was rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Foul play is NOT suspected and no inmates were involved. The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office has conducted an autopsy and determined the death was due to natural causes.

Corporal Barclift joined the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in November 2002. He became a Master Deputy in April 2017 and was then promoted to corporal in July 2017. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and attended college at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. He originally moved to Norfolk in 1999 to work for the Waterside Marriott banquet department, and later decided to join the NSO family. He graduated in the 26th session academy in May 2003. While at the NSO, he worked for the Community Corrections/Work Release division, as well as the Transportation division.

Corporal Barclift’s coworkers describe him funny and even-tempered. He loved his job, his friends, and his family. The Sheriff’s Office staff members are mourning this tragic loss.

Sheriff Joe Baron and senior staff have personally met with his fellow deputies and those who had close connections to him. Assistance has been offered to all staff members in their time of grief. The NSO also has chaplains available for prayer and consultation as needed.

Additionally, Sheriff Baron asks you to please keep Corporal Barclift’s family, friends, and the NSO staff in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.