Holly MatkinLondon, OH – Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Deputy Zane Beathard died on Aug. 1 after a courageous one-year battle against cancer, according to his family.
The 40-year-old deputy had just celebrated his 39th birthday when he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in his stomach and esophagus last year, WBNS reported.
Deputy Beathard weathered a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and immunotherapy over the months that followed, often continuing to work through his treatment when he could.
Despite his positive attitude and will to survive, Deputy Beathard learned late last month that he had a bowel perforation that required surgery, but that the procedure could not be performed due to the bleeding risks and poor healing prognosis associated with his chemotherapy, according to a fundraising page established to help his family.
“After hearing the few medical options available, Zane decided he wanted to come home,” fundraiser organizer Karie Randall wrote. “Zane wanted to soak up and enjoy as many memories that he could with his 6 children and beautiful wife, Alicia.”
The MCSO and a slew of other local first responders were at his house when he and his wife pulled up.
“Thursday afternoon, Zane received a heroes welcome,” the MCSO said in a Facebook post on July 29. “The neighborhood streets were lined with cruisers from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and multiple police departments, EMS and fire equipment all lit up to show support for their local hero.”
Although doctors gave him just hours to live when he left the hospital, Deputy Beathard was able to be home with his family for several days, WBNS reported.
“Instead of just hours, we were given a few days, so I say that his last act of love to me was to give me those days instead of hours…because I needed them the most,” his wife, Alicia, told the news outlet.
Deputy Beathard passed away while surrounded by those who loved him.
“I’m at peace because he’s at peace. He’s no longer suffering,” Alicia told WBNS. “He may not have won his battle with cancer, but he won at life, so I hold that dear.”
In addition to his wife of six years, Deputy Beathard also leaves behind his six sons who range in age from four months old to nine years old.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, grandparents, nephews, nieces, in-laws, and many friends and extended family members.
Deputy Beathard earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University prior to joining the MCSO more than 11 years ago, according to his obituary.
Deputy Beathard was laid to rest on Aug. 5.
“A lot to live for.” Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Zane Beathard is a husband and father to five plus one on the way. He’s fighting stomach and esophageal cancer, stage 4. The community he’s called home his entire life is supporting him in his fight. The story 5:45p #10TV pic.twitter.com/slGziX9JNp
— Lindsey Mills (@LindseyMills7) January 18, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Madison County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Zane Beathard, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
