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Minnesota police sergeant dies 24 hours after brain infection

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A Minnesota police sergeant and father of two died less than 24 hours after doctors diagnosed him with a brain infection, leaving behind a young family and a stunned community.

Sergeant. The department announced the death of Cody Siebert, a K9 officer with the East Range Police Department, on Feb. 27. He was remembered as a devoted father, a devoted colleague, and a fixture in the small northern Minnesota community he served.

Siebert helped start the K9 program in Babbitt, Minnesota, along with police dog Taconite, before later joining the East Range Police Department.

“Sergeant Siebert was known for his happy-go-lucky personality,” the department wrote in a post on Facebook. “If you and Cody didn’t get along, it was best to say it was your fault.”

Sergeant. Cody Siebert is remembered by colleagues and community members as a dedicated officer and devoted father who left a lasting impact on Northern Minnesota. (Eastern Region Police Department)

“It will be impossible to fill the void left by Sergeant Siebert’s passing,” the department added.

A GoFundMe page started by Siebert’s family had raised more than $107,000 as of Tuesday evening. He is survived by his partner, Karen Blais, and their two sons, ages 1 and 2.

“Knowing Cody was like having a friend. He had a rare gift for connection; if you crossed paths with him, you knew you were in for a real conversation. He truly enjoyed people, and his absence leaves a void in our community that will be felt by many,” his family wrote on the fundraising page.

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Sergeant. Cody Siebert, a K9 officer with the East Range Police Department in Minnesota, died Feb. 27, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection. (Eastern Region Police Department)

Blais said Minnesota Stars Tribune Last week, Siebert woke up with a headache that started the day before. He was hospitalized and doctors determined that an infection in his nasal passage had spread to his brain, according to the newspaper.

“He loved people; being in this position and being able to help people in general,” his brother Brandon Siebert said in a statement to the press. “It’s not just catching bad guys, going to school, meeting people.”

The tragedy came just months after another loss in the extended family. Siebert’s sister-in-law, Alyssa Siebert, died of a brain aneurysm last October, the Star Tribune reported.

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Sergeant. Cody Siebert with Chief Tim Soular and police dog Taconite

Sergeant. Cody Siebert poses with his K9 partner Taconite and Chief Tim Soular. (Eastern Region Police Department)

“We are in the deja vu of an unusual situation,” said her other sister-in-law, Ashley Siebert. “They both always helped others. They were both wonderful people. They did more than most 30-year-olds have accomplished in their lives.”

According to the newspaper, Siebert also donated her organs, like her aunt.

The East Range Police Department in Minnesota announced the unexpected death of Sgt. Cody Siebert on February 27. (Eastern Region Police Department)

Mesabi East Schools also paid tribute to Siebert, remembering him as someone who saw the potential in every student.

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“The impact he had on our students and staff is immeasurable. Not only was he our K9 officer, he was also a mentor, a role model, a friend, and a steady, positive presence in our Giants community,” the school district said. he wrote.