Funeral Held for Officer Who Died Mysteriously

Funeral services were held Tuesday for a 15-year Chicago police veteran who died last week, apparently after inhaling a cleaning substance at the District 22 police station where he worked.

A few hundred people gathered at the Third Baptist Church of Chicago, on West 95th Street, to remember Kevin Robinson. 

Given his selfless nature, Robinson's chosen career in law enforcement came as no surprise, family and friends said.

"Kevin was a person where I could come to work in a down mood, and then walk in and see that smile," said his long-time friend and partner, Curtis Smith. "He was a beautiful person to work with. This hasn't even hit home."

Robinson spent weeks in the hospital in a medically-induced coma after falling ill at work.  He died April 4. 

The results of an autopsy done to determine a specific cause of death won't be available for a couple of more weeks, the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said.

Police declined to answer questions about Robinson's death because it is under investigation. He was a "highly respected and decorated" officer, police spokeswoman Lt. Maureen Biggane told NBC Chicago in an email.

Family members said they're dealing with the circumstances surrounding his death "with patience."

"Right now we're just wanting to put him to rest and that's how we're getting through it, living with the memories that we have of him," said his niece, Karla Smith.  "Whatever we find out [from the autopsy] it's not going to bring him back right now and that's what we have to understand."

Contact Us