Luray Police Department Mourns Death of Recently Promoted Captain Josh Seal

Luray, Virginia: The Luray Police Department in Virginia is mourning the death of Captain Josh Seal, who died by suicide on the morning of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as Virginia State Police were attempting to execute search warrants at a residence in the Town of Luray.

Luray Police Chief Lonnie Foster Jr. said the department became aware of serious allegations involving one of its members on Monday, November 2. The matter was immediately referred to the Virginia State Police, who assumed responsibility for the investigation.

According to Chief Foster, the department member died the following morning while state police were attempting to execute search warrants at a residence in Luray.

Foster said the Luray Police Department is cooperating fully with the Virginia State Police and will continue to provide assistance as needed throughout the investigation.

The officer was identified as Captain Josh Seal, who had recently been promoted to the rank of captain.

Seal had served with the Luray Police Department since December 2019 and began his law enforcement career in 2000. Before joining the Luray Police Department, he spent 19 years serving with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

His death marks a tragic loss for the department and the wider law enforcement community, where colleagues are mourning the passing of a longtime officer whose career spanned more than two decades.

The allegations involving Seal have not been publicly detailed, and the Virginia State Police investigation remains ongoing. No further information about the nature of the allegations has been released.

The Luray Police Department has expressed its commitment to cooperating with investigators as it mourns the death of one of its members.