Medical Examiner rules death of Eastern Shore Army Reservist suicide following State Police pursuit

By Linda Cicoira

Twenty-year-old Colby “Zo” Alonzo Duncan, of the Painter area, who served in the Army Reserve and worked at Walmart in Onley, where a memorial for him has been erected this week, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 24, the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Richmond reported late Thursday afternoon.

Duncan was known “for his laughter, kindness, and unforgettable spirit, which will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him,” his obituary stated. He was dedicated “to serving others and his country.”

Suicide is often not reported by the media in an attempt to shield the victim’s family. In this case, the death occurred on a public street, just after a state police officer pursued Duncan on suspicion of driving under the influence

Those factors changed the reporting circumstances. ShoreDailyNews.com posted a story earlier this week about the investigation, and felt a follow-up article was necessary.

Matthew Demlein, of the state police, earlier said the deceased had allegedly been seen weaving his vehicle in the road during the holiday weekend when officers were looking for drunk drivers at about 9:30 that night.

The pursuit lasted only a few minutes, and for several miles from Big Pine Road near Pungoteague to Craddockville. It ended when Duncan’s vehicle stopped, Demlein said. A second police car pulled up to the scene just after the pursuit ended. A gun was found inside the vehicle, and “no law enforcement officer fired a weapon,” the spokesperson added.

The Medical Examiner’s Office only discloses the cause and manner of death. No other details have been released.

The victim’s father, Courtney Duncan, of Pocomoke, Md., confirmed Monday that the family had been notified of the medical examiner’s findings. He would not comment as the investigation is ongoing. In addition to the state police, the Army Reserve is also investigating the incident, Duncan said.

The deceased was born and raised on the Shore. He graduated from Nandua High School in Onley, “where he built lasting friendships and made countless memories,” the obituary continued. “He later pursued his education at Bluefield University.”

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Atlantic.