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Incident
Deputy Leonard Smith and Sheriff George White were killed in an automobile accident as they transported prisoners 18 miles south of Tucson at 9 pm. Deputy Smith was transported to a local hospital with a broken collar bone and several broken ribs. He succumbed to internal injuries four days later. The convicts they had in custody escaped and were captured a week later. They were wanted for the murder of a husband and wife. One subject was hanged, and the other was given a life sentence.
Survivors
Deputy Smith was survived by his wife, brother, and sister.
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.
Deputy Smith served with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Nogales community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Leonard is one of 95 officers lost to accidents in AZ, 28.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 3 officers in AZ were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 56 years on record. The heaviest was 1973, with 5.
In 1922, 82 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1922, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Leonard was 43. Of the 92 lost to accidents in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 34.5.
Leonard was 43. 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.
Leonard was 43. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
July holds 6.3% of these deaths in AZ; November holds the most, 14.7%. Mondays: 18.9%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 28.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, 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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Leonard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
