HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning yet another heartbreaking loss after a retired officer died by apparent suicide, marking the third such incident within a single week. The devastating news was shared by Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on social media, where he extended his deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends affected by the tragedies.
“This has been a heartbreaking and difficult time for our department. We are standing together to support one another as we grieve these profound losses,” Sheriff Gonzalez stated.
This latest tragedy follows the deaths of two other HCSO deputies. Christina Kohler passed away on March 13th, and Maria Vasquez died on March 16th in Montgomery. Their untimely deaths have highlighted a growing crisis and underscored the urgent need for increased mental health support among law enforcement and first responders.
The alarming frequency of suicides within the department has reignited concerns about the mental health challenges officers—both active and retired—face daily. Officials have emphasized the importance of mental health resources and intervention programs to support those in crisis.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage officers and their families to seek help when needed, stressing that mental health struggles should never be faced alone. Support services, including counseling and peer support groups, are available for officers and their loved ones.
This series of tragedies comes at a time when law enforcement agencies nationwide are working to address mental health concerns among officers, aiming to reduce the stigma around seeking help.
Authorities urge anyone struggling with mental health challenges to reach out to crisis hotlines or support networks. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 for confidential support, 24/7.
While the Sheriff’s Office has not released the name of the retired officer out of respect for their family, they remain committed to honoring the service of all three deputies and ensuring their colleagues receive the support they need during this difficult time.
