Prev
Incident
Night Marshal Lan Smith was struck and killed by a vehicle while making his nightly rounds of the city's business district at about 2:00 am.
He had stepped into the street in front of the post office when he was struck by a vehicle and was dragged for one block. He died several minutes later before being taken to the hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, who had been arrested by Marshal Smith the night before for drunk driving, was arrested and held on charges in connection with his death.
Marshal Smith had been appointed only several months prior to his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother, two sisters, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnr6bnw8dnyg6n26x163- 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 Lan. Claim this record.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Marshal Smith served with the Eagle Lake Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Eagle Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Eagle Lake Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Lan is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Lan is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lan 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 1948, 9 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
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
Lan was 60. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Lan had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Lan was 60. 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. Lan had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lan was 60. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Lan had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 12.6%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Eagle Lake Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, 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
Eagle Lake Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Lan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Eagle Lake Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
