Eric Zahnd, the longtime prosecuting attorney for Platte County, Missouri, has died at the age of 53, leaving colleagues, family members and members of the community mourning the loss of a public official who had served the county for nearly 24 years.
Zahnd died Thursday at the Platte County Courthouse, where authorities launched a death investigation. The courthouse was cleared and closed at approximately 2:15 p.m. as deputies responded to the incident. Officials said there was no threat to the public.
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly released. Authorities have not announced a cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Eric Zahnd Remembered
Zahnd was first elected Platte County prosecuting attorney in 2002 and went on to become the longest-serving prosecutor in the county’s history. He remained in the position throughout more than two decades of public service.
Earlier in 2026, Zahnd announced that he would not seek another term and planned to leave office at the end of the year. Mark Gibson, who had served as his first assistant prosecuting attorney for more than two decades, was subsequently appointed interim prosecutor following Zahnd’s death.
Before becoming prosecutor, Zahnd worked as a business litigator and also served in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. His professional career later included high-profile criminal cases and work on legislation concerning crimes against children.
Family and Community Mourn
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway expressed condolences following the news, remembering Zahnd as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about Platte County and public safety. Other Missouri and Kansas City-area officials and legal colleagues also shared tributes.
Hanaway specifically expressed sympathy to Zahnd’s wife, Tracy, and his sons, Benjamin and Luke.
His death has also affected the local legal community. Colleagues have remembered him as a prosecutor, mentor and longtime public servant whose career was closely connected to Platte County.
Cause of Death and Funeral Arrangements
The cause of Eric Zahnd’s death has not been publicly announced. Authorities are continuing to investigate what happened at the courthouse, and no conclusion about the circumstances should be assumed until officials release additional information.
Funeral and memorial arrangements had not been publicly announced in the reports reviewed.
As Platte County mourns Eric Zahnd, attention now turns to his family, colleagues and the legacy of his more than two decades of service as the county’s prosecuting attorney.
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