Media release from Cook County - November 16, 2018

November 16, 2018 – On Nov.15, 2018, while on patrol, a Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a vehicle which had been parked in the parking area at the George Washington Pines Memorial Plantation. Upon approach of the vehicle, an unresponsive person was identified in the driver's seat. Entry was made into the vehicle and a deceased body was recovered with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A note was also recovered from the vehicle.

The victim has been identified as 57-year-old Mitchell Gene Johnston, of Lakeville, MN. The deceased’s family has been notified.

US Border Patrol, the US Forest Service and Cook County Search & Rescue assisted with the call. 

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this man, as well as our responders,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen. “Suicide can have significant emotional impacts for those left behind and certainly affects our local responders. We encourage anyone struggling with depression, mental health or considering suicide to seek help; there is always another answer.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at any time at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Know the signs and symptoms of suicide, read this article from the Boreal Emergency Preparedness Portal by following this link:  https://www.boreal.org/2018/06/11/174946/know-the-signs-symptoms-to-prevent-suicide

Contact: Valerie Marasco, Director – Emergency Management & Public Information, 
                 218-387-5366 or [email protected]