An off-duty Chicago officer died early Thursday morning at the 18th District police station on the city’s Near North Side, authorities said.
The officer, who has not been identified, appeared to have died by suicide, but the death remains under investigation.
“Our officers are human, and we cannot forget that they face the same challenges as everyone else while balancing the difficulties that come with being a police officer,” the Chicago Police Department said.
“We ask the public to keep this officer’s family and her fellow officers in your prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the “city mourns the tragic loss” and sent condolences to the officer’s loved ones and colleagues.
“This tragedy is a reminder that we must carry each other. Every single day, our officers witness traumatic scenes, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the support they need to navigate that reality.”
