Trooper Dies After Medical Emergency in Chinook Pass Area

A Washington State Patrol Trooper has died after suffering a medical episode in the Chinook Pass area.

WSP says 47-year-old Detective Brent  Hanger was following up on a tip regarding a marijuana grow when his health failed.  A helicopter flew Hanger back to Yakima.

Detective Hanger was hired by the WSP on July 9, 1998, and commissioned on March 1, 1999. He graduated with the 82nd Trooper Basic Training Class and was assigned to District 7 Burlington.

Detective Hanger was a detective for eight years and was assigned to District 7 in Whatcom County his entire career. He was well liked, respected, and loyal to his family as well as his coworkers, according to the WSP.

On Nov. 27, 2000, Detective Hanger received the Award of Merit for assisting in saving the life of a suicidal person.

Detective Hanger was a native of Washington and is survived by his wife, six children, and a host of family and friends. He was loved and will be missed tremendously by all that knew him.