WSP trooper from Mount Vernon dies of medical emergency in central Washington

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. -- The Washington State Patrol said one of their troopers died while investigating a tip about a marijuana grow in Yakima County.

According to WSP, Detective Brent L. Hanger of Mount Vernon, was in the Chinook Pass area when he suffered a medical emergency and died.

Hanger was first hired by the patrol in 1998. He was a detective for eight years, and was assigned to District 7 in Skagit and Whatcom Counties for his entire career.

He received the Award of Merit for assisting in saving the life of a suicidal person.

Hanger is survived by his wife and six children.

"He was loved and will be missed tremendously by all that knew him," wrote Trooper Mark Francis.