In the hours following Eric Zahnd’s death, tributes poured in from around the state, including the man set to take the prosecutor’s office in January.
“Today is a devastating day for our community,” wrote state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer on X. “As the longest-serving prosecuting attorney in Platte County history, Eric Zahnd was a dedicated public servant whose historic record helped make us all safer. He was devoted to his team of incredible prosecutors and staff and most of all to his family. Eric has been a friend and mentor to countless young lawyers and his legacy will live on in their work. My prayers are with his wife Tracy and two sons.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe also issued a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd,” Kehoe said. “This is a tremendous loss for Platte County and the entire state. Eric will be remembered for his strong leadership and dedication to public safety and the rule of law, having established best practices used by prosecutors across the state. Claudia and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Eric’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas: “I am saddened to hear that Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd has died. Our community is grateful for the decades of hard work he performed to keep us safe. My prayers are with his family, his friends, his colleagues, and all who loved him.”
US Rep. Sam Graves: ““He was a diligent and committed prosecutor who cared deeply about the people of Platte County. My prayers are with his wife, Tracy and their children as they grieve this tremendous loss.”
Locally, Platte County officeholders have remained quiet, until the Monday, Sept. 21 meeting of the Platte County Commission.
“Eric was known throughout Platte County and beyond as a tough-on-crime prosecutor and a staunch advocate of victims’ rights,” said Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker. “He served this county honorably for over two decades and he will be missed by many. I pray that his wife Tracy and their two sons Benjamin and Luke will somehow find peace of mind in the midst of this great tragedy.”
Commissioners held a moment of silence in Zahnd’s memory.