Jersey County Sheriff Honors Fallen Staunton Police Officer Ethan Hoese
Sheriff Nick Manns called the fatal motorcycle crash a sad tragedy while remembering Hoese as a dedicated public servant, father, fiancé, son and friend.
STAUNTON - A 23-year-old Staunton police officer and U.S. Marine, Ethan Hoese, 23, who died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in a motorcycle crash on State Highway 100 at Elsah, is being remembered on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, by Nick Manns and the Jersey County Sheriff's Office.
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In a statement, Sheriff Nick Manns called the incident “an accident, a sad tragedy, and a traumatic event for every party involved in the crash, those who witnessed it, and those who responded to help.”
Hoese was described by the sheriff’s office as “a fiancé, a father, a son, a brother, and a cherished friend.”
“Although we did not know Ethan, we knew his type: dedicated, courageous, selfless, strong. A true public servant,” Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said.
Sheriff Manns said the sheriff’s office mourns with Hoese’s fellow officers, including Staunton Police Chief Jeff Doerr, who the statement said came to the scene and did not leave Hoese’s side.
“Our hearts hurt for Ethan’s impressive family, whose strength on Saturday at the scene inspired each of us,” Sheriff Manns said. “We pray that God eases the immense pain that Ethan’s family and friends are experiencing and restores them with the pride they must feel in raising, knowing, and loving such a giving young man.”
The Staunton Police Department made this statement about Officer Hoese: "Officer Hoese had worked for the Staunton Police Department for two years and was a valued member of the Department. He leaves behind a fiancée and 11-month-old daughter as well as his parents, brothers, and numerous other family and friends."
Funeral arrangements for Officer Ethan Hoese are as follows:
Visitation at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and funeral service to follow at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with escort to cemetery.
Sheriff Manns also addressed Hoese’s family directly.
“To Ethan’s family: please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that as hard as Saturday’s moments were, we were honored to be in his presence and yours,” he said.
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