RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that K-9 Deputy Fox has died, weeks after suffering a medical emergency while assisting in a search for a juvenile escapee.

Fox, a Belgian Malinois trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking and handler protection, had served Rankin County alongside Deputy Decell.

As previously reported, Fox and Deputy Decell responded to Pelahatchie on May 21 to help search for a 14-year-old who escaped from the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center.

The teen was captured shortly after, the sheriff’s office said.

During the search, Fox was deployed to track the suspect and collapsed about 100 yards into the track, according to the earlier release.

Deputy Decell carried Fox back to his vehicle and took him to an after-hours emergency veterinary clinic in Madison for treatment.

Veterinarians later determined Fox had an undiagnosed tumor that ruptured, causing life-threatening internal bleeding, the sheriff’s office said.

Despite continued treatment and support from veterinary specialists, Fox died at home with his family on Friday evening, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Fox served our community with honor and dedication,” Sheriff Bryan Bailey said in a statement. “He stood beside his handler through countless hours of training and service, always ready to do his job without hesitation. Our hearts are broken by this loss, and we are deeply grateful for the years of service he gave to the people of Rankin County. Fox will never be forgotten.”

The sheriff’s office asked the community to keep Deputy Decell and his family in their thoughts and prayers and thanked the veterinary staff and others who offered support.

SOURCE: WDAM7

https://www.wdam.com/2026/06/06/k-9-deputy-fox-dies-weeks-after-medical-emergency-during-manhunt-rankin-county/