K9 Officer in Missouri Dies After Being Left in Hot Car Overnight, Death Under Investigation

A police K-9 officer died after being left in a hot car in Missouri, and a death investigation is underway.

Savannah Police Chief David Vincent announced the death of K-9 Horus in a press release shared with PEOPLE on June 26. The release says the dog died on June 20 “after completing an overnight shift on patrol in Savannah.”

While police did not share the circumstances surrounding Horus’ death in the release, they confirmed to local station Fox 21 that the dog died after being left in a hot car. PEOPLE reached out to the Savannah Police Department for additional confirmation but did not immediately hear back.

Horus’ death is currently under investigation, according to the release.

“Due to this being an open investigation, there will be no further information released until that investigation is completed,” the chief said in the release. “The entire department would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we deal with the loss of our partner, Horus.”

Horus, a German Shepherd, had been involved in the police department as a K-9 officer since February 2021, according to a Facebook post from the department.

Speaking of Horus’ death in a statement to PEOPLE, Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica J. Morrey said that she has requested a special investigation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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“The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is deeply saddened to learn of K-9 Horus' passing,” the statement, which was issued on June 23, read. “We are grateful to him for his service to our community.”

The statement continued, “I have requested a special investigation through the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I will await the results of this investigation prior to making any determination of necessary action."