Dr. Sid Khurana Discusses First Responder Grief After a Line-of-Duty Loss

Nevada Mental Health’s Medical Director, Dr. Sid Khurana, recently spoke with 8 News Now following the line-of-duty death of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Austin “Zade” Abdelnabi.

The segment focused on the grief and trauma that can affect officers after losing one of their own, particularly those who witnessed the event or were present during its immediate aftermath.

Nevada Mental Health extends its deepest condolences to Officer Abdelnabi’s family, friends, colleagues and the entire LVMPD community.

Why This Kind of Loss Can Feel Different

Police officers, military members and emergency responders often develop close bonds through shared responsibilities and experiences. Dr. Khurana explained that this sense of community and brotherhood can make the loss of one member especially difficult.

The emotional response may also be more complicated than grief alone. It can include anger, fear and new concerns about personal safety.

“Not only is there the grief and the loss, it also brings in some anger, it brings in some fear,” Dr. Khurana said. “Is that going to be me tomorrow?”

For first responders, the death of a colleague can affect both their personal relationships and their sense of security while doing their jobs.

Trauma May Appear as Flashbacks or Nightmares

Those who directly witnessed a traumatic event may be especially vulnerable to recurring memories of what happened.

Dr. Khurana described how images from the event may continue running through someone’s mind or return as nightmares. Other responses can include difficulty sleeping, irritability, heightened alertness, emotional withdrawal or avoiding reminders of the event.

People do not all respond to trauma in the same way. Some may want to talk immediately, while others need more time. However, symptoms that persist, intensify or begin interfering with work, sleep and relationships may signal that additional support is needed.

Connection Can Be an Important Part of Recovery

Dr. Khurana’s advice to those affected was direct: do not isolate and do not try to numb grief with alcohol.

Staying connected with trusted friends, family members and colleagues can provide an important source of support. Talking about the experience, when someone is ready, may help them begin processing what happened and the emotions surrounding it.

“Stay connected to the people who you care for, who you love,” Dr. Khurana said. “Talk about this. Talking about it helps process it.”

Support can also come from fellow officers, peer-support programs, employee assistance resources or a mental health professional. The important thing is not to carry the experience entirely alone.

When to Seek Professional Support

Grief and trauma can affect mood, sleep, concentration, relationships and physical well-being. Professional support may be appropriate when symptoms are becoming more intense, are not improving over time or are making it difficult to function normally.

It is also important to seek help if someone is increasingly relying on alcohol or other substances to cope, withdrawing from the people around them or feeling unable to manage their reactions.

Learning what to expect when seeking care at Nevada Mental Health can help individuals and families understand how the process begins.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Call 911 in an immediate emergency.

Watch the full 8 News Now segment featuring Dr. Khurana: