photo by: Lawrence Police Department

Officer Zachary Garcia-Kerns

The Lawrence Police Department on Wednesday announced that one of its officers died on April 3 and that the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation, though “no foul play is suspected.”

In a news release, LPD said that 28-year-old Officer Zachary Garcia-Kerns honorably served the Lawrence community since October of 2021, first at the KU Police Department, then with LPD since November of 2023.

“We are focused on supporting Officer Garcia-Kerns’ family and everyone in the department right now,” the release said. “The family is requesting no other details be released.”

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who love him,” the release said, adding that a gift of life donation had been made and that services would be shared by the family.