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Incident
Reserve Deputy David McCollum was killed during a rescue attempt in Meigs County while assisting the Cleveland / Bradley County Rescue Service. Deputy McCollum had been lowered by rope into a 45-foot well to check on the condition of two men at the bottom. It was believed that the men had fallen into the well, however, it was later determined that they had been overcome by carbon monoxide after placing a gasoline powered pump at the bottom to remove water. Deputy McCollum was able to provide a status of their condition before he too became overcome by the carbon monoxide. He was pulled from the well but died while being flown to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Reserve Deputy McCollum served with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Reserve Deputy McCollum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bradley County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
David is one of 191 officers lost to accidents in TN, 24.8% of the 769 remembered there.
David is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1989, 2 officers in TN were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1989, 84 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1989, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 27. Of the 183 lost to accidents in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 49; the middle age was 38.
David was 27. 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.
David was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
September holds 11.5% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.8%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Bradley County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 24.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Bradley County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Bradley County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
