Ohio State Trooper Dies in Apparent Suicide Before New Year
Table of Contents
A tragic incident has shaken the Ohio State Highway Patrol as Sergeant Matthew Cook, of the Defiance Post, was found dead on Wednesday. Preliminary investigations suggest the death was self-induced, occurring just before the start of the new year.
Keywords: Ohio State Trooper, Matthew Cook, Suicide, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
Details of the Incident
On New Year’s Eve, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unconscious male at a residence located on County Road 53 in McComb, Ohio. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Sergeant Cook, who was off-duty at the time.
According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s office on Thursday, “Information collected throughout the preliminary investigation indicates the cause of death to be self-induced.” The investigation remains ongoing, but authorities have indicated there are no indications of foul play.
A Loss for the Ohio State Highway Patrol
The Ohio State Highway Patrol expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Sergeant Cook. “Our thoughts are with Sgt. Cook’s family, the Findlay district and the patrol family as a whole,” a statement from the patrol read. The incident underscores the often-unseen pressures faced by law enforcement personnel and highlights the importance of mental health resources within the profession.
.
The loss of a dedicated officer like Sergeant Cook serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who serve and protect. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not yet announced any memorial arrangements.
Copyright 2026 WTVG. All rights reserved.
Keep reading
