Capt. Michael Gorhum, a 47-year-old male tragically died on August 20, 2015, in La Vernia, Texas. He was a veteran officer with the San Antonio Police Department , having served for 25 years. At the time of his death, he was the head of the department's intelligence unit. Gorhum's death was ruled a suicide, as he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot of a church.
In the days leading up to his death, Gorhum had expressed fears of retaliation from his superiors, Chief
William McManus and Deputy Chief Anthony Trevino. These fears were documented in case notes obtained by the KENS 5 I-Team. Gorhum's widow, Darlene, stated that her husband was under significant stress from work and feared that his name being linked to the Ashley Madison data breach would damage his career. However, she emphasized that Gorhum did not have a paid account on the website and was honest with her about the possibility of public disclosure.
Following Gorhum's death, his widow has been trying to clear his name, believing that the pressures of his job and the false association with Ashley Madison contributed to his tragic decision. Despite the stress and pressure he faced, Gorhum was dedicated to his work and his family. His death left behind a wife of 23 years and two children.
There were no arrests, suspects, or litigations related to Gorhum's death, as it was determined to be a suicide. The Wilson County Attorney's Office released several 911 calls related to the incident, which revealed that Gorhum was driving toward Wilson County and was "depressed over work and says he's going to hurt himself". Shortly after, he was found unresponsive in his city-owned vehicle.
In summary, Capt. Michael Gorhum's death was a tragic result of the immense pressure and stress he faced in his role at the SAPD, compounded by fears of retaliation and the public exposure related to the Ashley Madison data breach. His legacy is remembered by his family and colleagues who continue to honor his dedication and service.
