09/15/2026
Condolences
Saturday was a tough day for our Sheriff's Office, our fellow first responders, our community, and our neighbors in the region. There was a tragic accident on State Highway 100 at Elsah, wherein a young man traveling through our County on a motorcycle struck a vehicle entering the highway and lost his life. It was 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. It was a life-changing moment for the family and friends of the man lost. It is so difficult to understand the tosses and turns of life.
We all grieve for the loss of any person who dies in our County. When a young person dies, it is even harder. When that young person spent his adult life serving something greater than himself and protecting his fellow man, it is nearly overwhelming. Ethan Blake Hoese was a 23-year-old Staunton Police Officer and a U.S. Marine. More importantly, he was a fiance, 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.
We at the Jersey County Sheriff's Office mourn with his fellow officers, especially Staunton Chief Doerr, who came to the scene and did not leave Ethan's side. Our hearts hurt for Ethan's impressive family, whose strength on Saturday at the scene inspired each of us. 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.
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.
Nick Manns, Sheriff
