ST. LOUIS (KTRS) — The St. Louis Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.

Officer Alexander Klein was found dead on his backyard patio of his Affton home on Saturday. Investigators say the 27-year-old officer’s death was likely accidental. An autopsy will be performed to determine an exact cause of death.

Police Chief John Hayden released the following statement:

“On behalf of the Metropolitan Police Department, I extend my deepest sympathies to the Klein family during this challenging time. I ask the St. Louis community to keep the Klein family and the entire Metropolitan Police Department in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our officer.” 

Klein joined the police department as a dispatcher in 2012, and then became a commissioned officer in January 2014. He is survived by his parents and three brothers.

___