Crouch’s death ruled a suicide

Morgan City Police Chief Travis Crouch’s death was ruled a suicide Monday by the Harrison County Coroner.
Crouch, 46, was found dead in a hotel room by a member of his party at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino at 11:05 p.m. Friday, Biloxi Police Sgt. Christopher DeBack said.
Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove told the Sun Herald Saturday that an autopsy revealed Crouch died of single self-inflicted gunshot wound that could have been accidental or suicide. On Monday, Hargrove said the death was a suicide.
DeBack said, though no foul play is suspected, the investigation into Crouch’s death is ongoing. Police are looking at “every avenue to try to help the family and Morgan City better understand what happened.” Morgan City police have been “very helpful in every aspect and are being very patient,” DeBack said.
On Monday, DeBack said the gunshot wound appeared to be self-inflicted and that “there’s no evidence or leads to make us believe it occurred any other way or that anybody else was involved.”
Morgan City police were notified of Crouch’s death by Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi and the city council shortly after midnight Saturday.
Grizzaffi and Morgan City Assistant Police Chief Michael Banks called a news conference Saturday afternoon to announce Crouch’s death.
Banks will now lead the department as assistant chief as provided by civil service law, Grizzaffi said. The city may eventually advertise for the position of police chief, he said.