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Four Harris County Deputies Die by Suicide in Six Weeks, Prompting Mental Health Focus

The Harris County Sheriff's Office in Texas is confronting the emotional toll of four suicides among current and former deputies, highlighting the need for stronger mental health support.

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Deputy Christina Kohler (left) and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez (right) lost their lives in March in deaths which were ruled a suicide.
A Harris County Sheriff's Office Peer Support Network brochure explains some of the wellness services available to deputies around the clock.
From left to right, Christina Kohler, William Bozeman, Long Nguyen and Maria Vasquez

Overview

  • Four current and former deputies from the Harris County Sheriff's Office died by suicide between February 6 and March 19, 2025, with three occurring within a single week.
  • Sheriff Ed Gonzalez expressed grief over the losses, describing them as a painful reminder of life's fragility and the need for collective care and support.
  • The Behavioral Health Division, established in 2020, provides peer-to-peer support and wellness programs but is facing scrutiny over gaps in addressing deputies' mental health needs.
  • Law enforcement personnel face elevated suicide risks due to job-related stress, frequent exposure to critical incidents, and stigma around seeking help, according to research.
  • The recent tragedies have sparked broader discussions on systemic mental health challenges in policing and the importance of removing stigma to foster officer wellness.