Report: Platte County Prosecutor Attorney Eric Zahnd dead at 53

PLATTE CITY, Mo. (KQTV) — Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd has died, according to multiple reports Thursday afternoon.

Around 3:15 p.m. Thursday, the Platte County Landmark posted on its Facebook page that Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland confirmed Zahnd had died. He was 53 years old.

Following the Platte County Landmark's post, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway posted on social media that her thoughts and prayers are with Zahnd's wife and sons.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd," Hanaway wrote. "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. We are very grateful for his dedication to public safety, the rule of law, and Platte County.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Tracy, and sons, Benjamin and Luke, during this incredibly difficult time. We stand ready to assist the Platte County Prosecutor's Office however they need."

Zahnd had been the Platte County prosecuting attorney since 2002. He was the longest-serving prosecuting attorney in the county's history.

In April, Zahnd announced he was retiring.

KQ2 will update this article as more information becomes available.