Prev
Paul Scott Ragsdale
Incident
Senior Special Agent Paul "Scott" Ragsdale suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in control and arrest techniques training at Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas.
He suddenly collapsed during the training. He was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, in Grapevine, where he passed away.
Special Agent Ragsdale had served with the ATF for 16 years and was assigned to the Dallas Field Division.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnzgs71mcdymbs3fq6aw- 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 Paul. 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.
Senior Special Agent Ragsdale gave the United States Department of Justice 16 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Senior Special Agent Ragsdale.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Paul is one of 71 officers lost to cardiac events in DC, 5% of the 1,419 remembered there.
Paul is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul 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 2018, 1 officer in DC was lost to cardiac events, the 19th heaviest of 48 years on record. The heaviest was 1945, with 3.
In 2018, 20 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 10th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2018, 20 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 10th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Paul was 41. Of the 69 lost to cardiac events in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 41 and 51; the middle age was 46. Paul had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Paul was 41. 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. Paul had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Paul was 41. 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. Paul had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
May holds 12.7% of these deaths in DC, more than any other month. Thursdays: 16.9%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 5% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, 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
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has 5 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are honored on badge.nw.
