Florida Deputy Dies by Suicide

A deputy with the Highlands County (FL) Sheriff's Office—44-year-old Sergeant Max Van D’Huynslage, who had served with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office since 2008—was discovered dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury on Saturday.

According to WLFA-TV , Van D’Huynslager was off duty when he responded to an active shooter incident in which five people were killed at a bank last week.

The sheriff's office said that Van D'Huynslager's death was not related to that incident.

"We ask for prayers and support for his family, friends and our agency family," Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said.

Van D'Huynslager worked in law enforcement for more than 15 years. Prior to working with the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, he served with Lee County, Cape Coral, and Clewiston.

Highlands County deputies are now conducting an investigation.