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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Hugh Craft was assassinated because of his previous work as a federal prohibition agent. Deputy Craft was driving from his farm in Gurley, Alabama, to Huntsville when he was ambushed and shot in the face with a shotgun. The two suspects then shot him in the head with a pistol before fleeing. Weeks later one suspect was apprehended and charged with murder but released later due to a lack of evidence. Deputy Craft had recently retired as a federal prohibition agent before being appointed a deputy sheriff in Madison County. He had previously served as the chief of police of the Gurley Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Craft served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Craft.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison County Sheriff's Department has lost 9 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Hugh is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Hugh is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Hugh is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1929, 1 officer at Madison County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hugh was 55. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Madison County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 41.5 and 48.5; the middle age was 42.
Hugh was 55. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Hugh was 55. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Hugh was 55. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 16.7% of these deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Department; October holds the most, 16.7%. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
June holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 9 deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Madison County Sheriff's Department has 9 officers remembered here, Hugh among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
