Prev
John C. Wagner
Incident
Deputy Game Warden John Wagner was shot and killed on a farm on Egbert Road near Bedford, Ohio.
He had encountered a man and nephew hunting squirrels on the farm and attempted to inspect the uncle's shotgun. A struggle ensued during which Warden Wagner was fatally shot. His body was found in a wooded area by mushroom foragers two days later.
The uncle had also been wounded and made a false report before Warden Wagner's body had been found that he had been shot on the same farm while squirrel hunting. The uncle was charged with manslaughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmgwe1sj9329zd7qd3a4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Game Warden Wagner served with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Game Warden Wagner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife has lost 9 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 17 officers in OH were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
John was 39. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 39. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 8.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife are honored on badge.nw.
