Ruskin-Wimauma, Florida – Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) announced today with profound sorrow that Deputy Jeremiah Stewart, 36, died by suicide earlier this morning in the Ruskin-Wimauma area.
According to the agency’s statement, at approximately 7:20 a.m., a family member discovered Deputy Stewart deceased outside their home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputy Stewart had served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for seven years, most recently assigned to patrol duties in District IV. Prior to his law enforcement career, he served six years in the United States Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2012.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed the agency’s grief in the official release:
“Today, our entire agency is grieving. We lost a member of our HCSO family, and that pain is shared by every deputy and employee,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are lifting up this deputy’s loved ones in prayer and ensuring our deputies have the care, resources and support they need. To anyone who may be struggling, please know there is help and hope. You are not alone.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that support resources are available for those in crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by calling 211.
SOURCE: HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
