• Blog Post by: Eric Roper
• February 21, 2013 - 10:03 PM

Minneapolis Park Police Chief Linda Bergstrom, a 34-year veteran of the department who took over the top role three years ago, has died of "respiratory complications." 

A spokeswoman for Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, Dawn Sommers, said Bergstrom passed away "unexpectedly" on Tuesday. The board declined to elaborate further on the cause of death, in deference to a family request for privacy.

"For staff, it was very unexpected," Sommers said.

Bergstrom was surrounded by her family at the time of her death and a public memorial is being planned for later this spring, according to a board statement.

She joined the department in 1979 as a park patrol agent, eventually rising in ranks to sergeant, lieutenant and then director in 2010.

Lt. Jason Ohotto will assume the role of acting commender of the Park Police department.