Additional Coverage:
- 4 current, former Texas deputies from same sheriff’s office die by suicide just weeks apart: officials (foxnews.com)
Tragedy Strikes Harris County Sheriff’s Office as Four Deputies Die by Apparent Suicide
A wave of grief has struck the Harris County Sheriff’s Office following the apparent suicides of four current and former deputies within a six-week period. The deaths, occurring between February 6 and March 19, have left the department reeling.
The first loss was retired Deputy Long Nguyen on February 6. Then, on March 13, Deputy Christina Kohler, who had been missing for over a week, was found deceased.
Just three days later, the body of former Deputy Maria Vasquez, who retired in December, was discovered. The Houston Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.
Most recently, on March 19, retired Deputy William Bozeman, a 24-year veteran of the force, also died by apparent suicide.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed his sorrow on social media, offering condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. He called the string of tragedies a “painful reminder that life is fragile and time is not promised.”
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, admitted the deaths came as a shock. “One is too many.
Two? Three?
Yes, it’s definitely devastating,” he stated, emphasizing the need for support and care within the department.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has initiated mental health programs to address this alarming trend. Lopez is also actively working to help his fellow deputies cope with the collective grief.