(Valley News Live) — The Moorhead Police Department is providing an update on the death investigation of Sahar Ramirez, according to a post from the department.
The Moorhead Police Department has received the toxicology report from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, which has determined the manner of death was suicide, according to police. The department said its investigation has not found any evidence to contradict that finding.
The toxicology report confirms Ramirez died from an overdose of an over-the-counter antihistamine medication, and those findings are consistent with the evidence gathered throughout the investigation, police said. The case is being closed.
Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick said in a statement that the conclusion will affect many in the community.
“We know this conclusion will weigh heavily on many in our community. Sahar’s loss has left a big impact on many, and our thoughts remain with her children and family and everyone who has been grieving and searching for answers. We appreciate the community’s understanding and compassion throughout this difficult process,” Helmick said.
Background
Ramirez, a Moorhead mother, was reported missing June 25, 2026, and was found dead five days later near the Red River, according to Valley News Live’s previous reporting. An autopsy found no signs of trauma or injury, with fragments in her stomach consistent with pill consumption.
Her death drew renewed scrutiny of a 2022 domestic assault case involving her husband, Andrew Ramirez, after a video appearing to show abuse began circulating online. A police report obtained by Valley News Live showed a Dilworth Police investigator had recommended three charges against him in 2022, including gross misdemeanor child endangerment and misdemeanor domestic assault, after Ramirez described a pattern of abuse to investigators. The Clay County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute in November 2023, citing prosecutorial discretion, and no charges were ever filed.
Moorhead police have said evidence does not place Andrew Ramirez at the scene of his wife’s death and shows he was out of town at the time. Sahar Ramirez’s family has disputed that conclusion, saying they believe her death should be investigated as a murder, and held protests in the weeks following her death.
Family, friends and community members gathered at a Muslim burial site in Fargo on Aug. 31 to lay Ramirez to rest. Since her death, Andrew Ramirez has been charged separately with three felony counts in connection with a July 1 incident in which a gun was discharged at his Moorhead business while he was on the phone with a detective investigating his wife’s death.
Police said anyone experiencing physical abuse, emotional distress or struggling quietly is encouraged to seek help, noting that local crisis advocates and mental health professionals are available and prepared to support those in need.
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