McComb, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of Sergeant Matthew Cook, with the Defiance Post, passed away while off-duty.
“Information collected throughout the preliminary investigation indicates the cause of death to be self-induced.”
Ohio State Highway Patrol · Statement
It is with great sorrow that the Ohio State Highway Patrol recognizes the off-duty death of Sergeant Matthew Cook of the Defiance Post.
Our thoughts are with Sergeant Cook’s family, the Findlay District and the Patrol family as a whole.
Cook joined OSHP in 2014 and was a decorated member,he received several awards from the patrol and was named Defiance Post Trooper of the Year multiple times. Cook was promoted to sergeant in 2024.
Cook’s death remains under investigation.
According to the Hancock County Sheriff’s office…no foul play is suspected and there is no threat to the public.
Mercer County Outlook 