11/04/2025
Hero K-9 “Rex” Found Dead After Disappearance During Police Operation in Redwood Forest, California
He wasn’t just a dog.
He was Officer Rex — a six-year-old Pitbull with a badge on his chest and courage in his heart.
The San Francisco Police Department is mourning tonight after Rex, one of their most trusted K-9 officers, was found dead near the Redwood Forest — a week after disappearing during an undercover mission.
Rex was part of a special narcotics task force, trained to track and take down some of the most dangerous criminals in Northern California. During the chaos of a nighttime pursuit, Rex darted into the dense forest, chasing suspects deep into the dark. His handler called, his team searched, but Rex never came back.
For days, officers, drones, and volunteers combed the wilderness — refusing to give up. Then, near a quiet riverbank, they found him.
Still. Brave. Gone.
The department says the cause of death remains unknown. But one thing’s certain — Rex died a hero.
Since joining the SFPD in 2019, Rex had been part of more than 80 successful operations, helped rescue missing people, and brought hope to children during community safety visits. His courage spoke louder than any words ever could.
> “Rex wasn’t just my partner,” said his handler, Sergeant Daniel Murphy.
“He was family. He saved lives — and he’d have given his for any one of us. And in the end, he did.”
Next week, the SFPD will hold a public memorial at the K-9 Training Facility, inviting the community to pay tribute to the four-legged hero who served with loyalty, love, and unshakable courage.
Donations are being accepted through the SFPD K-9 Foundation to support future service dogs — the next generation of heroes.
> “Let’s not remember Rex for how he died,” reads the department’s statement.
“Let’s remember him for how fiercely he lived.” 🕯️🐾💙