Missouri Prosecutor Dies by Suicide Inside County Courthouse
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, 53, was found dead Thursday afternoon; the building has been sealed for investigation.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, 53, died by suicide inside the county courthouse on Thursday afternoon, the local sheriff's office confirmed. The building was sealed for investigation and is expected to reopen on Monday.
Zahnd had served as Platte County's prosecuting attorney since 2002, making him the longest-serving in the county's history. He was named Missouri's Prosecutor of the Year in 2014. According to a county website profile, Zahnd's top priorities included protecting children, prosecuting sex offenders, and cracking down on career criminals. He played a role in the passage of Jessica's Law, which mandates life sentences for child rapists, and established mandatory sentences for convicted internet predators.
In April, Zahnd announced his intention to step down at the end of the year, stating it was the "right time to step back from public life and just do something else." He endorsed First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Gibson, whom he hired in 2004, to succeed him. Zahnd also expressed a desire to spend more time with his two sons.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway described Zahnd as a "true patriot, a person of remarkable character and integrity, and a public servant who cared deeply about his community." She extended thoughts and prayers to his wife, Tracy, and sons, Benjamin and Luke.
Tim Garrison, executive director of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, called Zahnd a "beloved and highly respected member" of their association and a "dear friend, mentor, and trusted colleague" to prosecutors nationwide. Garrison noted Zahnd's charisma, intelligence, and warmth, and stated that his absence would be deeply felt.
Authorities responded to the courthouse around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday. The building remained closed on Friday and was expected to reopen on Monday.
For those in need of support, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 in the U.S., or via online chat at 988lifeline.org.