Minnesota Police Sergeant Dies Suddenly After Brain Infection

Cody Siebert, a K9 officer and father of two, passed away less than 24 hours after diagnosis.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Sgt. Cody Siebert, a K9 officer with the East Range Police Department in Minnesota, died suddenly on February 27th after being diagnosed with a brain infection just the day before. Siebert, a devoted father of two young sons, was remembered as a beloved colleague and fixture in the small community he served.

Why it matters

The tragic and unexpected death of Sgt. Siebert has deeply impacted the tight-knit community of Babbitt, Minnesota, where he was known for his positive presence and dedication to helping others. His passing highlights the fragility of life and the devastating impact that sudden medical emergencies can have on families and communities.

The details

Siebert woke up last week suffering from a severe headache that had begun the day prior. He was hospitalized, and doctors determined that an infection in his nasal passage had spread to his brain, leading to his death less than 24 hours later. Siebert had helped launch the K9 program in Babbitt before joining the East Range Police Department, where he was remembered for his "happy-go-lucky personality" and ability to connect with people.

  • Siebert woke up on February 26th with a severe headache.
  • Siebert was hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain infection on February 27th.
  • Siebert passed away on February 27th, less than 24 hours after his diagnosis.

The players

Cody Siebert

A Minnesota police sergeant and K9 officer with the East Range Police Department, who died suddenly after being diagnosed with a brain infection.

Karen Blais

Siebert's life partner and the mother of his two young sons.

Brandon Siebert

Siebert's brother, who remembered him as someone who truly enjoyed helping people in his role as a police officer.

Alyssa Siebert

Siebert's sister-in-law, who passed away in October from a brain aneurysm.

East Range Police Department

The police department where Siebert served as a K9 officer and sergeant.

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What’s next

The community of Babbitt, Minnesota, is mourning the loss of Sgt. Cody Siebert and rallying to support his young family. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and provide for his two sons.

The takeaway

Sgt. Cody Siebert's sudden and tragic death at the age of 34 has left a profound impact on the close-knit community he served. His dedication to helping others, positive presence, and ability to connect with people of all ages will be deeply missed, underscoring the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.