West Virginia Sheriff's K-9 Dies in Cruiser After Air Conditioning Unit Malfunctions

HANCOCK COUNTY, West Virginia -- The Hancock County Sheriff's Office on Monday announced the death of a K-9 that died in his vehicle kennel after the air conditioning unit of the cruiser malfunctioned.

The department's K-9 vehicles are installed with safety equipment windows designed to drop the two back windows, activate a window fan and sound an alarm when the temperature reaches a particular level, but that equipment failed as well, according to a news released.

"It is with great regret and sadness that I inform and announce the passing of K-9 Midas of the Hancock County Canine Unit," a statement posted to the agency's Facebook page reads. "A series of unforeseen events led to this tragedy."

Once it was discovered the equipment had all failed, immediate steps were taken to assist the distressed K-9.

Midas’s temperature was attempted to be lowered by packing him with ice at which time he was immediately transported to the Town and County Animal Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia. The Wheeling Police Department was notified of the emergency transport and stopped out units at the city limits where more ice was applied to the lethargic K-9.

The veterinarian, along with staff, took over and Midas started responding within a short time. Throughout the day, positive updates on Midas’ health continued to be passed on from the clinic to the handler. Due to his initial recovery and his increased mobility, the clinic became concerned. Midas was sedated in order to give him rest. However, Midas managed to pull his catheter out, and it is believed that this action may have caused a blood clot to be dislodged with a seizure following it’s passing. He was pronounced dead shortly after.

Midas was four years old.

"Midas will not only be missed by his handler Deputy Patrick Hoder, but by the entire Hoder household as the K-9 had endeared himself as a member of the Hoder family," the statement continues.