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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Lyle Ward was killed in a motorcycle crash while attempting to overtake a car on Highway 200. He was attempting to pull a vehicle over when his motorcycle hit sand in the roadway, causing it to go out of control. Deputy Ward had been hired only ten days earlier, because of his motorcycle experience, to combat speeders on county highways.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter, mother, sister, and brother.
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 Sheriff Ward served with the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Missoula community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Missoula County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Lyle is one of 34 officers lost to accidents in MT, 23.9% of the 142 remembered there.
Lyle is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lyle 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 1934, 1 officer in MT was lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1895, with 2.
In 1934, 91 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1934, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Lyle was 47. Of the 30 lost to accidents in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 53.8; the middle age was 47. Lyle had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 8.5 years.
Lyle was 47. 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. Lyle had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lyle was 47. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Lyle had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 2.9% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 17.6%. Mondays: 17.6%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Missoula County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 23.9% of all 142 deaths in MT, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 2.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
Missoula County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Lyle among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Missoula County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
