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Incident
Police Officer Jay Hughes suffered a fatal heart attack while he and two other officers responded to an altercation on the gaming floor of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, Washington.
They were detaining one of the subjects when Officer Hughes suddenly collapsed. The other officers immediately started CPR. Officer Hughes was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where he passed away two days later.
Officer Hughes had served with the Kalispel Tribal Police Department for 4-1/2 years and had previously served with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for 40 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for Spokane County Fire District 4.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
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
44 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Hughes gave the Kalispel Tribal Police Department 44 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Cusick community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Hughes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Jaymes is the only officer of Kalispel Tribal Police Department remembered here.
Jaymes is one of 18 officers lost to cardiac events in WA, 5.3% of the 340 remembered there.
Jaymes is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jaymes is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2021, 2 officers in WA were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 2021, 23 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2021, 23 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Jaymes was 64. Of the 15 lost to cardiac events in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 45 and 56.5; the middle age was 48. Jaymes had served 44 years; the middle length of service was 17.5 years.
Jaymes was 64. 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. Jaymes had served 44 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Jaymes was 64. 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. Jaymes had served 44 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 22.2% of these deaths in WA, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 16.7%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kalispel Tribal Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 5.3% of all 340 deaths in WA, 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 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where
WA
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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