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Incident
Sergeant Chris Ward and Deputy Sheriff Logan Fox were shot and killed while conducting a welfare check at a home on Hardaman Circle.
A coworker of the homeowner had requested a welfare check after the man did not report for work and was not answering his phone. Responding officers discovered all the vehicles belonging to the owner in the driveway. As Sergeant Ward and Deputy Fox entered the home to check on the occupants, someone inside opened fire, striking both deputies.
Backup officers were able to extract Sergeant Ward from the house but were unable to reach Deputy Fox. Sergeant Ward was flown to a hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The subject barricaded himself inside of the house and continued to shoot at law enforcement officers who were on the perimeter throughout the day. He committed suicide several hours into the barricade. Deputy Fox was retrieved from the residence and pronounced dead.
Sergeant Ward had served with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Department for three years and had previously served five years with the Beech Mountain Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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.
Sergeant Ward 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, Sergeant Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Watauga County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Christopher is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2021, 4 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Christopher was 36. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Christopher had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Christopher was 36. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Christopher had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christopher was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Christopher had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 9.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Watauga County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Watauga County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Christopher among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
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.
