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Cause Of Pittsburgh-Area Police Chief's Sudden Death Disclosed

A Pittsburgh-area police chief died unexpectedly last week. Here's what the medical examiner ruled about his death.

PITTSBURGH, PA — The cause of death of an area police chief who died on duty last week has been revealed.

Heidelberg chief Dennis Dixon, 57, was found dead inside his patrol car just before 9 p.m. on May 18. The car was found in the 600 block of Grant Street.

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According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, Dixon, a South Park resident, took his own life.

Dixon had been with the department since 2008 and rose through the ranks to become chief when he was promoted in 2018.

According to his obituary, Dixon was an outdoorsman who enjoyed being on the lake and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife, three children and a grandchild.

"Our thoughts are with Chief Dixon's family and loved ones during this difficult time," the borough posted in a statement last week.

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