Chicago, IL – Chicago Police Department Officer Dane Anthony Smith died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence on New Year’s Day, police said.

The body of Officer Smith, 36, was discovered at his Jefferson Park residence on Tuesday morning, WBBM reported.

He was off duty at the time of his death.

Officer Smith, who was assigned to the Seventh District, had been with the police department for six years, according to WGN.

“No one knows with certainty why someone makes such a tragic decision,” Fraternal Order of Police [FOP] spokesperson Martin Preib told WBBM. “We are all left with a gaping hole in our lives.”

In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, the FOP said it was “devastated to report” that another officer had committed suicide, and asked everyone to pray for Officer Smith’s family.

Officer Smith’s death was the fifth instance of a Chicago police officer committing suicide in the past year, WBBM reported.

Prior to joining the Chicago Police Department, Officer Smith served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry, and also worked as a Cook County Sheriff’s deputy, according to his obituary.

“Dane was a warrior in the community he served and will be missed by all who knew him,” the obituary read. “’Until Valhalla, our brother.’”

Officer Smith leaves behind his wife, Nichole, and their son, Ryker, as well as his parents and siblings.

His father, retired Sergeant Jeffrey Sacks, is also a veteran of the Chicago Police Department.

“I’ll Always remember my big brother as being strong, brave, and fearless,” Kevin Siebold wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday morning. “Even though you’re gone, a part of you will always be with us.”

Officer Smith will be laid to rest on Monday, according to his obituary.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Officer Dane Anthony Smith, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.