India, Sept. 18 -- Eric Zahnd, the longtime prosecuting attorney of Platte County, Missouri, died Thursday at the age of 53. His death took place inside the Platte County courthouse, Sheriff Erik Holland confirmed. The circumstances of the death are unclear, but an investigation is underway.

The courthouse was closed at 2:15pm CDT as the sheriff's deputies conducted an investigation. It is unclear if the courthouse has since opened. As of this writing, a cause of death of the 53-year-old has not been revealed.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway mourned Eric Zahnd as a "true patriot" and called him someone who "cared deeply about his community."

"I have known Eric for many years and have always held him in the highest regard. E...