Authorities in Texas have confirmed the tragic deaths of two respected sheriff’s deputies within days of each other, both believed to have died by suicide.
Harris County Deputy Sheriff Christina Kohler, 37, was reported missing on March 12. A day later, she was found dead in Houston. Law enforcement officials are treating her death as an apparent suicide, pending autopsy results for confirmation.
Only three days later, on March 16, former Harris County Deputy Sheriff Maria Vasquez, 42, was also found dead in Montgomery, a city located about an hour from Houston. Vasquez had resigned from the sheriff’s office in December, but further details surrounding her passing remain undisclosed.
Community Mourns the Loss of Two Dedicated Officers
The devastating news has deeply affected the law enforcement community. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Community Engagement Division shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, posting a photo of the two deputies along with the words:
“Heaven has gained two beautiful angels. May their memory be a blessing, inspiring strength and comfort to their friends, family, and coworkers during this challenging time.”
Deputy Kohler had served with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office since 2018, most recently working as a court bailiff. When she was reported missing, an alert issued by the Texas Center for the Missing stated that her disappearance posed “a credible threat to her own health and safety.”
HCSO Constable Mark Herman paid tribute to Kohler in an emotional Facebook post, writing:
“Her name, her life, absolutely deserves to be remembered for her commitment to our profession.”
Raising Awareness for Mental Health in Law Enforcement
The tragic deaths of Kohler and Vasquez have sparked conversations about the mental health challenges faced by those in law enforcement. HCSO Constable Sherman Eagleton took to social media to encourage officers to seek help if they are struggling, writing:
“Please, if you are struggling, reach out to someone, anyone. You are needed and you matter, even when you feel your lowest. Our brothers and sisters in blue, take care of each other. Don’t carry the burden alone, your family is here for you.”
With over 5,100 employees and 200 volunteers, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office is the largest in Texas and the third-largest in the United States. Kohler’s death has deeply impacted her colleagues, and the department is now offering mental health and peer support services to those affected.
