A Community Mourns: Grant Officer Daniel Foddrill Passes Away Unexpectedly After 5K Race

The West Michigan community is enveloped in a profound sense of sorrow following the sudden and unexpected passing of Grant Police Officer Daniel S. Foddrill. Officer Foddrill, a devoted husband, father, and a pillar of public service, tragically died at the age of 45 on Saturday, September 14, 2025, while participating in an off-duty 5K race in Grand Haven.

The tragic incident unfolded during the Coast Guard City Summer Fest 5K.

Officer Foddrill collapsed on the scenic North Breakwater, a beloved Grand Haven landmark. Despite immediate efforts and rapid transport to North Ottawa Community Hospital, he was pronounced dead. The exact cause of his death has not been publicly released at this time, leaving his colleagues, friends, and family grappling with the suddenness of his loss.

Officer Foddrill was a deeply respected figure in the West Michigan law enforcement community, with a distinguished career spanning decades.

He joined the Grant Police Department in March 2023, where his dedication and experience quickly made him an invaluable member of the force. Prior to his service in Grant, Officer Foddrill dedicated an impressive 25 years to the Oceana County Sheriff's Office, serving from 1998 until 2023. His commitment to protecting and serving also extended to the police departments of New Era and Rothbury, where he previously held positions.

Throughout his extensive career, Officer Foddrill was known not only for his unwavering commitment to duty but also for his compassionate nature, his mentorship of younger officers, and his deep involvement in the communities he served.

Colleagues remember him as a man of integrity, kindness, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the departments he served and the lives of those he protected.

Grant Police Chief Mark DePew shared heartfelt sentiments regarding Officer Foddrill’s loss, emphasizing his dedication and the profound impact he had on the department and community.

Similarly, Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Foddrill's long and honorable service with their office and highlighting his contributions to public safety and his legacy as a mentor.

Officer Foddrill is survived by his beloved wife, Becky, and their children, who are undoubtedly enduring unimaginable grief.

Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be shared with the community as they become available, allowing those whose lives he touched to pay their respects to a truly remarkable individual. The thoughts and prayers of the entire West Michigan community are with his family during this incredibly difficult time, as they navigate this profound loss of a dedicated officer and a cherished family man.