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Incident
Sheriff Abe Edmisten succumbed to injuries sustained six days earlier when he was involved in a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 901 and Highway 115 in Iredell County.
He was involved in the crash while returning to Watauga County after transporting a prisoner to Raleigh. His vehicle left the roadway and went into a ditch, causing him to suffer broken ribs and internal injuries.
Sheriff Edmisten had served with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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.
Sheriff Edmisten gave the Watauga County Sheriff's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Boone community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Edmisten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Watauga County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Abram is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
Abram is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Abram 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 1952, 2 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1952, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1952, 65 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 83rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Abram was 66. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. Abram had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
Abram was 66. 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. Abram had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Abram was 66. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Abram had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.2% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Mondays: 10.7%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Watauga County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, 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
Watauga County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Abram among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Watauga County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
