Prev
Incident
Watchman Alex Coryell suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being assaulted by a prisoner at approximately 1:00 am.
Watchman Coryell and another officer had arrested a man for public drunkenness. They encountered the man sleeping on B Street and when they woke him up, the man started to struggle with the officers. They were able to handcuff the man and as they walked him to the jail, the suspect suddenly struck Watchman Coryell in the face with his handcuffed hands, causing his nose to bleed profusely. Another violent struggle ensued and the officers were again able to subdue the man.
After delivering the man to the county jail, the officers began to go out on patrol again when Watchman Coryell suddenly collapsed. His partner went for assistance but by the time he returned, Watchman Coryell had died.
Watchman Coryell had previously served in the Civil War and was survived by his wife. He is buried in the Volunteer Fire Department Section of the Silver Terrance Cemeteries in Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada.
Survivors
Watchman Coryell had previously served in the Civil War and was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpxk6r5drs5pbd6mb2yf- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Alex. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw. One record, 2 gates. Alex is one person.
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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Watchman Coryell served with the Virginia City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Virginia City community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Alex R. Coryell served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Virginia City Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Alex is one of 9 officers lost to cardiac events in NV, 6.2% of the 146 remembered there.
Alex is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Alex is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1891, 1 officer in NV was lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1891, 1 officer in the United States was lost to cardiac events, the 122nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1891, 1 officer worldwide was lost to cardiac events, the 122nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Alex was 59. Of the 9 lost to cardiac events in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 58; the middle age was 51.
Alex was 59. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48.
Alex was 59. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48.
When
June holds 11.1% of these deaths in NV; July holds the most, 33.3%. Thursdays: 22.2%.
June holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Virginia City Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 6.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Virginia City Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Alex among them.
Military Service
Alex R. Coryell served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Alex R. Coryell’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Virginia City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.