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Boston Police detective dies after contracting the flu
Mark Walsh was remembered by his family as a "gentle giant." He died last week at the age of 51.
An active duty Boston Police detective died last Thursday after coming down with the flu, the department and his family said.
Mark Walsh is being remembered for his “zest for life and unwavering spirit,” and an online fundraiser supporting his family has garnered more than 16 times its original goal. Walsh was 51.
Walsh was rushed to the hospital last week with trouble breathing. He had suffered a cardiac event shortly before arriving at the hospital, but was temporarily in stable condition, his friends wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser. It has raised more than $166,000 as of Monday, surpassing a $10,000 goal.
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Walsh died in Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital on Feb. 20 “after a rapid courageous battle with the flu, sepsis and subsequent cardiac trauma,” his family wrote in an online obituary. Walsh’s death was also announced by the Boston Police Department.
“Although Mark has left us too soon, we will all cherish our time with him and thank his many friends, the amazing unwavering Boston Police community and his team at Beth Israel Deaconess in Milton and Boston for their loving care in his final days,” his family wrote in the obituary.
The current flu season is the most intense in 15 years, and it has been surging in Massachusetts. The percentage of Massachusetts residents receiving the flu vaccine has also significantly dropped off.
Walsh was born in Dorchester and grew up in Milton. He was a “standout athlete” on basketball and baseball teams, and graduated from Milton High School before going on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College.
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Walsh joined the BPD in 2005. He spent time working on the department’s Youth Violence Strike Force and serving in the South End and Dorchester. He was stationed across from the Boston Marathon Finish line in 2013, and was one of the first responders who helped victims of the bombings. Walsh became a detective in 2021 and was assigned to work downtown.
He received several commendations during his time as a BPD officer, earning praise for removing guns from “dangerous felons,” assisting an outside agency with the capture of a murder suspect, and arresting a suspect accused of breaking and entering, according to police officials. He also notably worked with a community group to “share insights into gangs so that they could better understand and support youth in foster care.”
In his free time, Walsh enjoyed golfing with fellow officers and friends from Milton. He was an avid Patriots fan who held season tickets and attended multiple Super Bowls. Walsh also had a passion for cooking, and was known to man the grill or the smoker during family gatherings, according to the obituary. Walsh was described as a “gentle giant” who loved holidays and other large gatherings of friends and family.
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Walsh was proud of his Irish heritage, making it a “cornerstone” of his identity. He traveled to Ireland, Argentina, Chicago, Savannah, and more places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and compare those festivities to what occurs in Boston.
Walsh leaves behind “the love of his life,” Chrissy, and two boys.
“Mark’s life was one of service, love, and laughter. His support for his family, his dedication to his community, and his ability to bring joy to every occasion will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path,” his family wrote in the obituary.
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