Platte County Prosecutor Dies; Gibson Named Interim Successor
Platte County Prosecutor Dies; Gibson Named Interim Successor
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Key Points
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Mark Gibson had briefly filed as the only candidate to succeed Zahnd before withdrawing from the race after state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer entered it; Luetkemeyer is running unopposed for the prosecutor’s office.
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Zahnd hired Gibson in 2004 and had endorsed him as his preferred successor, saying he intended to help with the transition and “stick around a little bit.”
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The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys had recently given Zahnd its highest honor, the President’s Award, recognizing his years of service as a prosecutor.
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Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys executive director Tim Garrison described Zahnd as a mentor and trusted colleague whose influence extended across state and national prosecutorial communities, saying, “Eric’s charisma, intelligence, and warmth were magnetic.”
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Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway remembered Zahnd as “a true patriot” and a public servant of “remarkable character and integrity” who cared deeply about his community.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd, who led the office since 2002, was found dead Thursday at the Platte County Courthouse. Northwest MO Info reported the Platte County Sheriff's Office is investigating, though authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. The courthouse closed Thursday afternoon and is expected to reopen Monday. KSHB reported that presiding judge Myles Perry appointed longtime First Assistant Prosecutor Mark Gibson as interim prosecutor under Missouri law.
Gibson Steps Into Top Role After 19-Year Partnership
Mark Gibson, hired by Zahnd in 2004, was tapped as interim prosecutor under state law. Kansas City Star reported that Zahnd had previously endorsed Gibson as his successor and planned to help with the transition. Gibson had briefly filed as a candidate before withdrawing when state Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer entered the race. Luetkemeyer is now running unopposed for the office.
Recognition Honors Zahnd's Decades of Public Service
The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys recently awarded Zahnd its highest honor, the President's Award, recognizing his years of leadership. Executive director Tim Garrison described Zahnd as a mentor whose influence extended across state and national prosecutorial communities. KSHB reported that Garrison called Zahnd's "charisma, intelligence, and warmth" magnetic. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway remembered him as "a true patriot" and public servant of "remarkable character and integrity."
Zahnd Was Preparing for Planned Retirement in 2026
Zahnd had announced plans to retire at the end of 2026 after serving nearly 25 years. His tenure included advancing Missouri's Jessica's Law, a measure protecting children from predators. Zahnd told colleagues he intended to "stick around a little bit" during the transition to his successor. His unexpected death came as the office prepared for what was meant to be an orderly handoff.
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