Former police protection officer for Obama found dead at train station
A former police officer who guarded Barack Obama during visits to Australia has died at a train station.
Rowan 'Rooster' Andrews, 38, was found at Laverton Railway Station about 15 miles west of west of Melbourne's Central Business District just before 5am on January 12.
The cause of death is not clear at this time, but it is not being treated as suspicious.
Obama's protection officer dies
An obituary on GoFundMe described Andrews as a multi-talented athlete with a career in the Australian Football League (AFL) and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was drafted to the Adelaide Crows at age 18.
"Adding to Rowan's diverse skill set, he excelled as a proficient carpenter. He fully renovated two family homes over the past 5 years and generously assisted friends with various projects," the statement said.
He was also an "avid animal lover" and loved to go on runs and bike rides with his dog Tassie.
Andrews joined the Victoria police force in 2016, where he quickly made an impression, rising to the Close Personal Protection Unit.
"Within his time with CPP, Rowan provided protection for many notable dignitaries. He was chosen to be the personal protection officer for Barack Obama’s visit, highlighting Rowan’s trustworthiness and capabilities," the statement said.
"Rowan was involved in many projects and was selected to attend the CPP Skills Enhancements course, a weeklong national course where the best officers were chosen to represent their States, highlighting his leadership qualities."
Police comment
The Victoria police told the Daily Mail that they will "prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Laverton."
"He was located deceased at Laverton Railway Station about 4.50am on 12 January."
"The death is not being treated as suspicious. The man was an off duty police officer."
Andrews leaves behind his wife, Alice, and their two sons, Max and Isaac.
In an unrelated incident, Obama's personal chef Tafari Campbell died in a paddleboard accident near the Obamas' mansion at Martha's Vineyard last summer.
"Tafari was a beloved part of our family. When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House - creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together," the Obamas said at the time.
"In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."
