Beloved Sonoma County park ranger Kat Pringle recalled: The murder investigation continues

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — Tributes are pouring in after the sudden loss of a beloved Sonoma County park ranger. Ranger Kat Pringle, 38, was identified as the victim of a murder last week.

A sheriff’s office deputy conducted a welfare check at Pringle’s home in Hood Mountain Regional Park the day before Thanksgiving.

Rob Dillion is the public information officer for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. “He went into the house and announced his presence. There was no response, he saw a light on in another room … and found two people dead,” Dillion said.

At this point, the investigation indicates that a 43-year-old man and former colleague likely shot Pringle and then himself.

Investigators did not comment on a possible motive.

“A death is initially full of emotions, but when you find out it was another county employee with an agency we work closely with, it hits especially hard at home,” Dillion said.

Sonoma County Regional Parks described Pringle as “a dedicated and knowledgeable ranger who brought passion and warmth to everything she did.”

Damian Evans is president of the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association, representing 500 peace officers and public safety employees.

“She was considered, I would say, fearless but passionate, and she really took a lot of pride in what she did as a ranger and standing up for her colleagues. Additionally, in addition to serving as a paramedic to respond to medical emergencies, “she was a defensive tactics instructor,” Evans said.

Pringle joined the service in 2017 as a park ranger and was promoted to ranger in 2018.

The club has launched a “Fund a Hero” to help Pringle’s family.

“Through the Peace Officer’s Association of California, known as PORAC, they are generally able to donate 100% of the proceeds directly to the family. That’s why we’re trying to spread this message so people can donate and help out.” “I’m going to honor her memory so the family doesn’t have to deal with this problem now,” Evans said.

To donate to the fund, click here.

Pringle leaves behind a 22-year-old son.

“When you have a single mother who is a public advocate, sometimes we focus on other people and not ourselves, and that’s what she was known for,” Evans said.

Pringle’s sister released this statement to ABC7:

My sister was truly a beautiful force of nature with an incredibly resilient spirit that was admired by everyone. We came from difficult backgrounds and she became a mother at a young age. Despite countless hardships and obstacles, she never hesitated and raised an incredible young man as a single mother. She built a career where she was both respected and loved as a park ranger here in Sonoma County. She had a lifelong passion for music, films, writing and philosophy that helped shape the unique and endlessly interesting person she was. She touched the lives of so many people with her quiet confidence and deep, knowing empathy that always uplifted those in need. The world will forever be a better place for having known her, and the grief her loved ones feel at her loss is indescribable.

There is also GoFundMe, to donate visit here.