Missouri Prosecutor Eric Zahnd Found Dead in Courthouse at 53

Eric Zahnd, the longtime prosecuting attorney of Platte County, Missouri, was found dead inside the Platte County Courthouse on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was 53 years old. The Platte County Sheriff's Office confirmed that law enforcement responded to the courthouse shortly after 2:15 p.m. local time and discovered Zahnd's body. The building was closed immediately, and all employees were sent home. Authorities stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The cause of death has not been officially determined, and an investigation is ongoing, according to Sheriff Erik Holland. The courthouse is expected to reopen on Monday, as announced by Platte County Presiding Judge Myles Perry. Mark Gibson, who served as Zahnd's first assistant prosecuting attorney for more than two decades, has been named interim Platte County Prosecuting Attorney. Gibson was endorsed by Zahnd to succeed him after Zahnd announced his retirement in April 2026. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway expressed her condolences, describing Zahnd as "a true patriot, a person of remarkable character and integrity, and a public servant who cared deeply about his community.