NW Indiana officer, 34, dies ‘unexpectedly’

A 34-year-old officer who served the Highland Police Department in northwest Indiana for more than 12 years died Monday.

Shawn Smith was pronounced dead about 12:50 p.m. at Munster Community Hospital, according to a statement from the Lake County coroner’s office. Smith had no apparent injuries and was taken to the hospital from his home in the 8300 block of Parrish Place in Highland.

The Highland Police Department posted a message on its Facebook page saying Smith passed away “unexpectedly from natural causes.”

“He is survived by his wife, two children, extended family and his brothers and sisters in blue,” the message read. “We ask that you keep Shawn and his family in your prayers.”

The cause of his death is pending, the coroner’s office said.

Further details were not available.