IN LOVING MEMORY OF MELISSA E. CAMPBELL, GALE F. SANDERS, AND LITTLE KOZZAR J. LOTUT 🕯️
With heavy hearts, we remember Melissa E. Campbell, 51, Gale F. Sanders, 67, and little Kozzar J. Lotut, just 22 months old, whose lives were tragically lost in Gnadenhutten, Ohio. Their deaths have left a community searching for answers as authorities continue investigating the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding this devastating discovery.
On Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, deputies responded to a disconnected 911 call that would lead them to a home on North Cherry Street. The call came in at approximately 4:17 a.m. and disconnected almost immediately, leaving dispatchers without a location. During a callback, a faint voice could reportedly be heard saying, “help.” Authorities worked to trace the phone through several possible locations before identifying the residence where the three individuals were ultimately found.
After a family member unlocked the door, deputies entered the home and discovered Melissa, Gale, and little Kozzar deceased, with apparent gunshot wounds. A firearm was also located at the scene.
The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office has now released the names of the three individuals. Coroner Dr. Jeff Cameron has ordered autopsies through the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not yet released all the answers surrounding this tragedy.
As the community awaits further information, these three lives deserve to be remembered with dignity, compassion, and respect. The loss of an older adult and a child who was not yet two years old makes this situation especially heartbreaking. Behind every name is a life that mattered, and every death leaves questions and emotions that words alone cannot fully express.
At this time, authorities strongly believe there is no danger to the wider community. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, and it is important to allow officials to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.
May Melissa E. Campbell, Gale F. Sanders, and little Kozzar J. Lotut be remembered with compassion during this painful time. May everyone affected by this tragedy find strength as they face the difficult days ahead.
Rest in peace, Melissa, Gale, and little Kozzar. Your lives mattered, and your names will not be forgotten.
🕯️ Gone from this world, but never beyond the reach of remembrance.
HTX Media will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
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