Austin Morgan Cronkrite

1994 - 2023

It is with crushing sadness that we say goodbye to Austin Cronkrite. He took his last breath surrounded by family and friends on December 17, 2023. Diagnosed in September, Austin's battle with a rare form of cancer was a short but vicious one which was made all that much worse by the fact that he was only 29.

Austin was one in a million. Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and uncle, trusted friend and caring neighbor. He was many things to many people, not least of which was a dedicated LAPD Officer.

Austin lived a beautiful life. Born and raised in Redondo Beach, he attended Beryl Heights Elementary, Parris Middle School and graduated from Redondo Union HighSchool where he was captain of his JV golf team.

After high school he attended El Camino where he honed his mechanics skills. He loved restoring and selling old cars -his favorite being a '50's Willys truck. His love of cars led him to Motor Trend where he lived the dream of fancy cars and as a video production assistant. Then he was accepted into the LAPD academy. His hard work and sweat paid off and he became a peace officer like his grandfather, great uncle and uncle before him. He loved his job and the family the LAPD became.

When he wasn't working or remodeling his home in Long Beach he liked to travel. Most frequent destination was Salt Lake City to see his family and snowboard. In August it was Lake Powell to try out his new jet ski. It was an awesome final vacation with family and friends.

Austin is survived by his grandmother, Connie Bertram; father, Mark; mother, Jackie (Morgan); brother, Zack; and sister, Courtney Barnet (Jon).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach. A luncheon will be held immediately afterwards at The Elks Lodge in Redondo Beach, All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LAPD Family Support Group.