On January 20, 2023, 33-year-old Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan William Buchan died by suicide in Santa Clarita, California. The incident occurred at Mabel's Roadhouse, a bar located in the Saugus neighborhood, where Buchan, off-duty at the time, fatally shot himself between 1:10 and 1:27 a.m.
Buchan had a distinguished career, serving two tours in Afghanistan during his four years with the U.S. Marine Corps.
He joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) on August 22, 2019, and was recognized as the Honor Recruit of his academy class, achieving the highest numerical average based on leadership qualities, academics, marksmanship, and physical performance.
At the time of his death, Buchan was assigned as a patrol deputy at Century Sheriff's Station. He was not assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. His passing prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends, and family. A memorial service held at Grace Baptist Church on February 13, 2023, was attended by over 100 deputies from the LASD, reflecting the deep impact of his loss on the law enforcement community.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support Buchan's memorial services, highlighting his dedication to service and the sudden nature of his passing. The incident also underscored the importance of mental health resources for law enforcement personnel, with local mental health professionals emphasizing the availability of support networks for those in crisis.
Sheriff Robert Luna visited the Santa Clarita Valley Station following the incident to provide support to deputies and staff. The department and community continue to mourn the loss of Deputy Buchan, remembering him for his service, dedication, and the positive impact he had on those around him.
