Friends of fallen Miami Beach cop recall ‘his constant smile and uplifting spirit’
Tributes to Miami Beach Police Officer David Cajuso, who was killed in a motorcycle crash Tuesday morning, poured in as he was remembered not only for protecting Miami Beach residents, but in the joy he brought children when he visited them in their classrooms.
“For the past 10 years, David served as a Miami Beach Police Officer, dedicating his life to protecting and supporting others,” his friend Chris Hernandez wrote on the GoFundMe page. “David leaves behind his wife and three children, whose lives are forever changed. As they navigate unimaginable grief, we want to surround them with the same love, support, and community.”
Cajuso was very involved in the Miami Beach Police Athletic League, a youth organization where he was affectionately known as their “Kindergarten Cop,” Miami Beach Officer Deborah Martineau, PAL’s executive director, said in a Facebook statement.
“His presence lit up every classroom, and his smile brought joy and comfort to all,” Martineau wrote. “The children truly adored him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Cajuso died Tuesday afternoon at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital hours after crashing his motorcycle on Interstate-75 near Northwest 138th Street around 11:30 a.m. that morning. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the single-vehicle crash.
READ MORE: Miami Beach officer dies in motorcycle crash on I-75, cops say. He was a father of 3
News of Cajuso’s death spread quickly across all South Florida law enforcement agencies, and hundreds of officers converged at Jackson Tuesday to honor the 10-year police veteran. Fire Rescue trucks hung a giant American flag, and officers saluted as Cajuso’s body was carried away in an ambulance.
Cajuso, 33, is survived by his wife and three young children ages 2, 3 and 5 years old, according to Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones.
“I ask that you keep his young family in your thoughts and your prayers as they navigate this grieving process,” Jones said during a press briefing at the hospital Tuesday.
Hernandez, in the GoFundMe post, said his friends are hoping to raise money for the family “that can provide comfort in small but meaningful ways.”
“Whether it’s meals or some other immediate needs, so that one burden is lifted from the family during this painful time. More importantly, we hope this collective support shows David’s children how deeply their father was loved, and that they are not facing this loss alone,” Hernandez wrote.
Another donation campaign, “Help a Hero,” was created to support Cajuso’s family. The funds will go toward funeral and memorial expenses, childcare and housing. Cajuso came from a family of first responders as his father served with Miami Beach Fire Rescue, according to the campaign.
“David dedicated his life to protecting others,” the campaign read. “Even after surviving a serious on-duty accident in 2017, he returned to serve with courage and humility.”
Cajuso was known as a kind and compassionate man who “led with quiet strength, humor and heart,” the campaign read.
In a Facebook post, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said Cajuso’s death is a powerful reminder of the bond between law enforcement officers.
“I spent the day yesterday at Ryder Trauma and witnessed firsthand the outpouring of love, strength, and unity from David’s Motor Unit team, his amazing family, and from the endless stream of law enforcement officers from departments across Florida who rushed to support him,” Meiner wrote.
The Miami Beach Police Department said it would announce funeral services once information is available.
This story was originally published October 29, 2025 at 2:17 PM.
