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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Eric Stafford was killed and another deputy was injured after their patrol car was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer on I-65, at the Barren County line. The deputies were working overtime radar duty and were conducting a vehicle stop when the crash occurred. Three people in the stopped vehicle were also killed, including two young children. The truck driver suffered minor injuries. Deputy Stafford had served with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office for three months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
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 Stafford served with the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Brownsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stafford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Eric is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
Eric is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Eric is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1996, 1 officer in KY was lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 1996, 49 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 98th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1996, 57 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Eric was 27. Of the 150 lost to accidents in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.8; the middle age was 39. Eric had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Eric was 27. 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. Eric had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Eric was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Eric had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 4.3% of these deaths in KY; April holds the most, 13.7%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, 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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Edmonson County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Eric among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Edmonson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
