United States of America
Headstone of Donald Lee Schavolt

Donald Lee Schavolt

Died March 31, 2002

Donald Lee Schavolt. Donald served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Natural
Cause Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Mechanism Bodily force

Heart attack

What Happened

Deputy Donald Schavolt suffered a fatal heart attack after being kicked in the chest by a juvenile suspect during an arrest attempt in the Casa Del Monte Mobile Home Park.

He and three other deputies had responded to a noise complaint and found the suspect lying in the street when they arrived. The suspect violently resisted arrest and it took four deputies to restrain him.

Deputy Schavolt transported the suspect to a local medical center where he again resisted. Later, Deputy Schavolt went and sat down inside at the hospital and then collapsed. The suspect was charged as a juvenile with second-degree murder, and resisting arrest with violence as a result of Deputy Schavolt's death.

An autopsy determined that Deputy Schavolt's heart attack did not directly result from being kicked in the chest. The suspect's charges were reduced to felony battery, resisting arrest, and two counts of misdemeanor assault.

Deputy Schavolt is survived by his wife and four children.

Survivors
Deputy Schavolt is survived by his wife and four children.
Media
Donald Lee Schavolt
Donald Lee Schavolt 0 views
Service Record
1973 – 1987
Also Served
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 18-E · Line 23 cut as DONALD LEE SCHAVOLT
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtp87kq0feqx80x1qb63f
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.

Deputy Sheriff Schavolt gave the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office 12 years.

Thank you for your service to the West Palm Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Schavolt.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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