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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Hunter Reedy was shot and killed while assisting officers from the Marion Police Department with a traffic stop at about 5:00 pm.
A Marion police officer had initiated the stop for a moving violation in the town; however, the vehicle drove approximately 1-1/2 miles into Smyth County before stopping near the intersection of Route 16 and Hatchery Road. Several Smyth County deputies responded to assist with the stop.
The driver became extremely agitated after being issued a traffic summons by the officer. The man then shot one of the deputies who approached him. During the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the subject and a second deputy were shot. The subject died a week later.
Deputy Reedy had served with the Smyth County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served with the Chilhowie Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, sister, and grandfather.
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 Reedy gave the Smyth County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Marion community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Reedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Smyth County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Hunter is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Hunter is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hunter is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2024, 1 officer in VA was killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 2024, 68 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 105th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2024, 68 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hunter was 27. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Hunter had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hunter was 27. 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. Hunter had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hunter was 27. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hunter had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Fridays: 12.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Smyth County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Smyth County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Hunter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-WT
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Smyth County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
