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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Colbert was killed in a crash at Lindbergh Boulevard and Missouri Bottoms Road while responding to a burglary call. Deputy Colbert was on his way to investigate two burglaries on Lindbergh Boulevard when a truck pulled out in front of his patrol car. Deputy Colbert was transported to a local hospital where he died eight hours later. Deputy Colbert had served with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office for over three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his four daughters, parents, and two brothers.
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 Colbert gave the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Colbert.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
St. Louis County Sheriff's Office has lost 9 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
William is one of 242 officers lost to accidents in MO, 29.2% of the 829 remembered there.
William is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1948, 4 officers in MO were lost to accidents, the 7th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1948, 74 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
William was 42. Of the 226 lost to accidents in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 26 and 42; the middle age was 33. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 42. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 12.8% of these deaths in MO, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 17.4%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 22.2% of all 9 deaths at St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.2% of all 829 deaths in MO, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
St. Louis County Sheriff's Office has 9 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from St. Louis County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
