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Incident
Chief Jailer Roy Sturges suffered a fatal heart attack moments after being attacked by a prisoner with a piece of lumber. During the struggle, Chief Jailer Sturges' wife came to his aid and sprayed the suspect with mace. Chief Jailer Sturges and his wife escaped from the room and locked the door. As they headed for the sheriff's office he suddenly collapsed and died.
Survivors
Jailer Sturges was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
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.
Chief Jailer Sturges served with the La Salle County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Cotulla community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Jailer Sturges.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
La Salle County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Roy is one of 88 officers lost to cardiac events in TX, 3.6% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Roy is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Roy is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1973, 3 officers in TX were lost to cardiac events, the 4th heaviest of 53 years on record. The heaviest was 1978, with 4.
In 1973, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1973, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Roy was 60. Of the 84 lost to cardiac events in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 42.8 and 57; the middle age was 50.
Roy was 60. 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.
Roy was 60. 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
April holds 2.3% of these deaths in TX; October holds the most, 12.5%. Fridays: 15.9%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at La Salle County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.6% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
La Salle County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Roy among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from La Salle County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
