Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd dies Thursday

PLATTE CITY, Mo. — Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd died Thursday, according to the Platte County Sheriff's Office.

Zahnd was first elected in 2002 and has held the post ever since. Earlier this year, he announced he would not seek re-election.

The presiding judge of the Circuit Court of Platte County named Mark Gibson, who served as Zahnd's longtime first assistant prosecuting attorney, as the interim prosecuting attorney.

State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer, who won election to be the next Platte County prosecutor, said Zahnd's passing is devastating to the community.

“As the longest-serving prosecuting attorney in Platte County history, Eric Zahnd was a dedicated public servant whose historic record helped make us all safer," Luetkemeyer said. "He was devoted to his team of incredible and hard-working prosecutors and most of all, to his family."

Luetkemeyer called Zahnd a mentor to "countless young lawyers and prosecutors, and his legacy will live on in their work."

The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) extended its sympathy to those who knew Zahnd.

"Eric’s charisma, intelligence, and warmth were magnetic. It is difficult to put the magnitude of this loss into words," MAPA said in a statement. "His absence will be deeply felt throughout the prosecutor, law enforcement, and broader public safety communities, and by the many people whose lives he touched."

Other Kansas City-area prosecutors shared their condolences, too. Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompason said Zahnd served Platte County with "grit and integrity," and Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said she is heartbroken by the loss.

"Our office was fortunate to work alongside Eric on challenges that cross our county lines, including our shared fight against the retail theft that has threatened local businesses," Johnson said. "Eric understood that public safety requires collaboration. He was always willing to stand with our office to protect the businesses at the heart of our communities. That partnership grew into a friendship that I will miss." 

Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas said his prayers are with Zahnd's "family, his friends, his colleagues, and all who loved him."

The "tremendous loss" of Zahnd will be felt through the entire state, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said.

"Eric will be remembered for his strong leadership and dedication to public safety and the rule of law, having established best practices used by prosecutors across the state," Kehoe said.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway shared her condolences as well.

"I have known Eric for many years and have always held him in the highest regard. Eric was a true patriot, a person of remarkable character and integrity, and a public servant who cared deeply about his community," Hanaway said. "We are very grateful for his dedication to public safety, the rule of law, and Platte County."

Thursday afternoon, the Platte County Sheriff's Office confirmed a death investigation was underway at the Platte County Courthouse, identifying the deceased as Zahnd.

Capt. Jeff Shanks said the courthouse was closed Thursday and will remain closed Friday.

—